Advocacy Support Services

The Haven Wolverhampton Independent Advocacy Service provides advice, information and support to ensure that women are aware of their rights and options in order to make informed decisions.

There are three Independent Advocacy Workers based at The Haven Wolverhampton, two of whom are specialist workers for Asian or African Caribbean Survivors. Their focus is on providing a premium service to victims at medium to high risk of harm, to address their safety needs and to help manage the risks that they face.

We can offer:

• Confidentiality
• Crisis Management
• Safety Planning
• Sign Posting (being directed to other services)
• Tracking Criminal Proceedings (court appearances/bail conditions)
• Support at court (during criminal proceedings when being a witness)
• Accessing and attending solicitors - to seek protection by legal remedies

Attending Court
The legal system is often complex and intimidating.

We can help by:

• Attending court hearing or other legal appointments with you;
• Providing support before, during and after court hearings;
• Organising a tour around an empty court room;
• Explaining the terminology and procedures involved;
• Introducing you to relevant key personnel and explaining their roles.

Criminal Law

We can explain the roles of the agencies you are likely to come into contact with: the police, Crown Prosecution Service (once the police have concluded any investigations, the CPS is responsible for bringing cases to court and prosecuting offenders), Probation, the Magistrates' Court and the Crown Court. We can tell you what they do in a Domestic Violence case and what to expect.

We will keep you informed of:

• Bail conditions which have been set;
• Hearing dates;
• Any convictions or sentences imposed - what they are and what conditions are attached.

We will answer questions you may have about the process (e.g. about statements, giving evidence, available support and practical help).

Civil Law

Many women do not want to involve the Police in their case, or do not want to attend court as a witness in a criminal court. We can tell you your legal rights, talk through any issues and look at options as part of your safety planning.

We can give information on the type of injunctions that are available, how they can help and how to obtain them. Your circumstances will indicate which injunction will be the most appropraite.

Non-Molestation Orders - These court orders protect you and your children from intimidation, harassment, violence and threats of violence.

Occupation Orders - These court orders are designed to remove a violence partner from the family home or to prevent him/her from turning up there. All circumstances are different - an Occupation Order will be made based on the needs of the victim and the legal rights to occupy. The court can also order the violent partner to continue paying costs towards the house.

Issues around children

We can put you in touch with local solicitors who can advise you on: Contact and residence; Parental responsibility; Orders covering specific issues; Prohibited Steps Orders.

Contact: 01902 572 188 or advocacy@havenrefuge.org.uk