Domestic violence services in Hounslow have been recognised by the Home Office as best in class in the country.

Local authorities around the UK are encouraged to hold Hounslow Council up as the gold standard on how to support victims of domestic abuse, according to new statutory guidance published by the government this month.

The local domestic violence service has seen "a huge increase in demand since the start of the first lockdown" say Hounslow Council and now receives roughly 100 referrals each month.  

Free, confidential weekly drop-in services for residents experiencing domestic and sexual violence returned to The Arts Centre (TW3 1ES) in Hounslow in September 2021 and is an initiative praised by the Home Office.

Trained staff from family law solicitors and immigration solicitors to welfare benefits advisers and women's domestic violence charities attend these 'One Stop Shop' sessions to face-to-face advice on issues including safety, accommodation, legal and childcare matters all in one place.

Councillor Ajmer Grewal, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: 

"Being mentioned in the latest statutory guidance on Domestic Violence is testament to the strong partnerships we have across different agencies. I am so proud of all the work we do together to support victims of domestic abuse and this service contributed to Hounslow winning 'Council of the year' in 2021.

"No one should feel unsafe or scared. If you spot any signs of domestic abuse be it a friend, relative, neighbour or anyone you know please get in touch with this service." 

Along with the 'One Stop Shop' sessions, the service also provides vital support to children affected by domestic abuse. The Council works closely with schools and Specialist Parent and Child Domestic Abuse Workers (PCDAWs) to provide holistic therapeutic support to children and non-abusive parents. 

To read the latest guidance from the Home office, click here.

More information on Hounslow's Domestic and Sexual Violence services and One Stop Shop is available on the council's websites.

Hounslow One Stop Shop (every Wednesday 10am – 12pm)

Hounslow Arts Centre

1st Floor,

Treaty Centre,

High Street,

Hounslow

TW3 1ES

Representatives from Hounslow's Domestic and Sexual Violence Outreach Service and other gender-based violence services are available to assist those experiencing:

• domestic violence
• sexual violence
• forced marriage
• honour-based violence
• female genital mutilation
• prostitution
• human trafficking for sexual exploitation
• stalking
• modern day slavery

Trained staff are also available from many other services such as:

• family law and immigration solicitors
• representatives from housing
• benefits agency
• children's Support Worker
• asian women's resource C=centre