At Valley House, we provide a safe haven and comprehensive support for individuals aged 16 and over fleeing domestic abuse. Our mission is to empower survivors by offering secure accommodation, crucial emotional and practical support, and clear pathways to a life free from violence. We understand the complexities of domestic abuse and offer tailored assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, right here in Coventry.
What is Domestic Abuse?
Domestic abuse is a pervasive issue, defined as any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading, and violent behaviour. This can include sexual violence, and in the majority of cases, is perpetrated by a partner, ex-partner, family member, or carer. While it is predominantly experienced by women and perpetrated by men, Valley House provides support to all individuals, including males fleeing domestic abuse.
It's vital to recognise the many forms domestic abuse can take. It is not limited to physical violence and can include:
- Coercive Control: A pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation, and control, often involving the use or threat of physical or sexual violence.
- Psychological and Emotional Abuse: Undermining a person's self-worth, 'gaslighting', constant criticism, or emotional blackmail.
- Physical Abuse: Any act of violence, from pushing and shoving to severe assault.
- Sexual Abuse: Any sexual act committed against someone without their freely given consent.
- Financial or Economic Abuse: Controlling or exploiting a person's money or financial resources, limiting access to funds, or preventing them from working.
- Harassment and Stalking: Repeated and unwanted contact or pursuit that causes distress or fear.
- Online or Digital Abuse: Using technology to control, harass, or humiliate, including 'cyberstalking', non-consensual sharing of images, or monitoring digital activity.
Understanding the Impact of Domestic Abuse
The consequences of domestic abuse extend far beyond the immediate incident, deeply affecting the individual survivor, their children, and wider family. It can lead to severe psychological trauma, physical injuries, long-term health issues, homelessness, and social isolation. We believe in addressing these multifaceted impacts through holistic support designed to foster healing and independence.
How Valley House Can Help: Our Services & Support
Valley House is dedicated to providing a person-centred approach, ensuring every individual receives the tailored support they need to rebuild their lives.
Our Domestic Abuse Accommodation Options:
We offer a range of safe, secure, and supportive accommodation solutions designed to meet diverse needs:
- Self-contained, Family, and Shared Accommodation: Options to suit single individuals or families.
- Separate Accommodation for Women and Men: Ensuring safety and comfort for all.
- Accommodation for Families with Older Male Children: Recognising specific family needs.
- Accessible Accommodation: Catering to individuals with disabilities.
- Specialist Support for Underrepresented Groups: Including individuals from the Global Majority, LGBTQ+ communities, and older people.
Comprehensive Support Services:
Our dedicated team provides crucial emotional and practical assistance, empowering individuals to move forward:
- Signposting and Advocacy: Guiding you to relevant services and advocating on your behalf.
- Culturally Specific Support: Ensuring our services are sensitive and appropriate for all backgrounds.
- Risk Assessment and Safety Planning: Developing personalised strategies to enhance your safety.
- One-to-One Casework and Structured Group Work: Providing individualised guidance and peer support.
- Family Support Work: Assisting families accessing our accommodation, including our On-site Nursery for children.
- Court Support: Providing assistance for service users involved in criminal justice and civil proceedings.
- Referral to a Counselling Service: Access to professional mental health support.
- Peer Support Groups & Social Activities: Fostering community and reducing isolation.
- Learning and Development Opportunities: Empowering skill-building and personal growth.
- Service User Involvement and Volunteering: Opportunities to contribute and build confidence.
- Low-level Follow-on (Aftercare) Support: Continued assistance to reduce isolation, increase confidence, and enhance skills during your transition after leaving our accommodation.
Making a Referral to Valley House
We accept referrals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Referrals can be made by professionals (such as the police or social care) or through self-referral.
To make a referral or find out more information, please contact our dedicated team:
- Referral Line: 0800 328 9084 (24/7)
- Email: referrals@valleyhouse.org.uk
- In-person: Visit our office during business hours.
- Online: Fill out our Online form here
Additional Resources and Information
- Domestic Abuse Act 2021: Understanding your rights and protections.
- Alternative Accommodation: Information on other housing options if Valley House is not the right fit.
- Hide My Online Activity: Crucial tips for digital safety.
- Are You Worried About a Friend? Guidance on how to support someone you know.
- Helping Your Children: Resources for parents navigating domestic abuse with their children.
