Problems at home

We understand that home life is never perfect and from time to time problems can arise. It is important to know that you are not alone in your suffering and that there is plenty of help available to assist with your difficulties.

Domestic Violence

People often think of domestic violence as physical abuse but it can also apply to verbal, sexual or emotional harassment. It usually takes place in the home and anyone can be a victim - men, women, children and elderly people.

In an emergency you should call the Police 999 . They have specially trained Domestic Violence Officers who will handle the situation. The local Domestic Violence Officer can be contacted on 01474 366512 or you could call the national helpline which has been launched by the government (www.crimereduction.gov.uk) This provides support to people affected by domestic violence. The Freephone number is 0808 2000247 and sees the joining together of existing services from Women's Aid and Refuge. This number provides access to advice on 24 hour emergency refuge accommodation and an information service that includes safety planning and translation for non-English speakers.

The telephone number for the local Women's Aid is 01322 384792.

Numbers will show up on an itemised phone bill, if victims are likely to be put in danger if they have to explain items on their phone bill (or the abuser is likely to ring the number to see what it is) they should be advised to use public/agency phones to get the information from the phone line if necessary.

Details of the recently opened Dartford Domestic Abuse One Stop Shop is also available from this number. The shop runs every Tuesday morning at Dartford’s CAB with representatives from Dartford Borough Council’s housing serves, the police, Women’s Aid and Neves Scott Brand Solicitors all offering free advice on issues concerning domestic abuse.

Also, the fear of having no support or finding themselves homeless confronts many victims of domestic violence.

If the decision to leave is taken or you are considering such an action, you can speak to a Housing Advisor based at the Housing Advice Centre, Civic Centre in Dartford or phone 01322 343114

If you are homeless and the Council offices are closed, you should telephone the Council's Emergency Out of Hours service on 0845 6341212.

Useful numbers -

Citizens Advice Bureau - 01322 224686
Minor Injuries Unit (Gravesend) - 01474 574217
Darent Valley Hospital - 01322 428100
Victim Support (Dartford, Gravesend & Swanley) - 0845 389 9527

Anti-social Behaviour

Anti-social behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.

Some aspects of anti-social behaviour are:

Using or threatening to use violence
Intimidation
Criminal activity including damage to property
Noisy and rowdy behaviour
Writing threatening abusive or insulting graffiti
Litter and rubbish dumping
Uncontrolled pets
Using and selling drugs
Nuisance from vehicles including parking and abandonment
Other conduct likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress
Domestic violence
Racial harassment, homophobic or other hate crime

If you think you are being affected by anti-social behaviour (ASB) you should contact the Council's contact centre (01322 343434). They will pass on your enquiry either to a Housing Officer (if you are a resident of Dartford Borough Council) or to the Council's Community Safety Department.

Mediation Service

There are times when neighbours don't always get along together. The Council always tries to help resolve disputes in a friendly and calm manner in the first instance and we work with neighbours to help them arrive at a solution that meets the need of both groups. But there are occasions when some extra help or independent advice is needed.

Medway Mediation is now working in partnership with the Council to provide a service to help resolve disputes. This is a FREE service based in the community and works INDEPENDENTLY of other agencies e.g. police and social services.

The mediation process aims to help people involved to reach an agreement that satisfies everyone. The volunteer mediators will not take sides and all conversations are strictly confidential.

They will: