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What Are My Rights?

Helping you to understand your rights around housing, children and safety.

Your rights

At ESDAS, we believe every survivor of domestic abuse has the right to safety, respect, and support. Understanding your rights can help you make informed choices and access the help you need. Your rights include:

  • You have the right to live free from abuse and fear, whether physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or psychological.
  • You can access confidential support services, refuge, and safety planning to help protect you and your children.
  • Your experiences and feelings will be listened to without judgment.
  • You are entitled to make decisions about your life at your own pace.
  • Support from ESDAS and other services is private and confidential.
  • Information will only be shared with your consent, unless there is a risk of serious harm.
  • You can access support regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, disability, or immigration status.
  • This includes legal advice, counselling, housing, financial guidance, and healthcare.
  • You can seek protection through restraining orders, injunctions, and other legal measures.
  • You are entitled to understand your legal options and receive assistance from qualified professionals.
  • You have the right to access benefits, open bank accounts, and manage your finances independently.
  • Support is available to help you increase your financial independence and safety.
  • You have the right to protect your personal information online and maintain privacy in digital spaces.
  • Guidance on staying safe online and understanding your rights is available under the Online Safety Act.

Remember: Being a survivor of abuse does not limit your rights. You are entitled to live free from harm and to access support and justice.

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Understand your options and rights

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Housing options

Abuse can affect where you live and who you live with. We help you find safe housing, from staying securely at home to finding refuge.

See housing options
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Legal options & rights

You have legal rights and protection. We can help you understand your options, apply for injunctions, and access free legal advice and support.

See options and rights
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Police & criminal prosecutions

Most domestic abuse behaviours are a crime. We help you understand what to expect from the police and support you.

Learn about prosecutions

Resources

Safety planning

Who we help

How we help

What happens when you contact ESDAS

Handbook

Get in touch for help