What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse between people aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.
If you are at risk of domestic abuse at home, you are considered homeless.
This can include:
- psychological abuse - threats, intimidation, or manipulation
- physical abuse - hitting, slapping, or other violence
- sexual abuse - unwanted sexual contact or coercion
- financial abuse - controlling or restricting money
- emotional abuse - humiliation, isolation, or constant criticism
For more information, visit the BBC website on domestic abuse.
How we can help
Immediate Danger
- Call 999 if you are in immediate danger.
- For non-emergencies, call 101.
We will not contact your abuser.
Emergency Accommodation or Support
You can contact:
- housing team: 01753 475111
- your GP, children’s centre, housing officer, or key worker
It’s important to tell someone you trust about your situation.
Accessing help
You can contact us if you are:
- at risk of becoming homeless within the next 56 days
- already homeless
- struggling to find alternative accommodation
Ways to contact Slough Borough Council
- Online via our Jigsaw portal
- Phone: 01753 475111 (if you need help using the portal)
Using Jigsaw
You can make a homelessness application via the Jigsaw Customer Portal
If you are using Jigsaw for the first time you will have to register to create an account.
If you already have an account and want to make a homelessness application follow the steps below:
- Login to your account
- Select 'Homeless or at risk'
- Choose Slough as your local authority
- Complete the Homeless Reduction Act application
If you need help filling out the application form please call 01753 475111.
What to expect
After completing the online form, an officer will contact you the next working day to arrange an appointment.
We will conduct an initial triage assessment to determine if you are eligible for housing support.
You will need to provide
- identity documents for you and your household. This should be your UK passport or birth certificate
- proof of your immigration or residence status from your Home Office if you are not a British or Irish citizen
- your address history for the last five years
- proof of income and any savings, for example pay slips or income support documents
- medical information if you have any health conditions.