Domestic Abuse Residents Policy

This policy sets out how Housing 21 will take steps to assist and support any residents, including those living with our tenants experiencing or threatened with domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse is still a largely hidden crime and measuring the true scale of the abuse is difficult.

Domestic abuse happens in all communities, regardless of gender, age, disability, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, class or socio-economic background. Housing 21’s commitment to taking positive steps to recognise and identify signs of domestic abuse  and is committed to responding sensitively and effectively to those residents needing help and support, should they experience domestic abuse. We will take all reports of domestic abuse seriously, and offer support and work positively and proactively with the victim/survivor.

The aims of this policy are to:

• Positively assist and support residents who are experiencing or surviving domestic abuse or violence
• Create a safe environment where victim/survivor(s) of domestic abuse feel they can approach Housing 21 employees to seek help or assistance and encouraged to talk, are listened to, thus enabling them to make informed decisions about their lives
• Ensure that support is available to residents who are experiencing or surviving domestic abuse by:
  • Providing timely and effective guidance by working in partnership with relevant agencies, to respond to any case of abuse that may arise or take place
  • Seeking to enhance the safety and security of those involved and support them to increase their confidence and resilience
  • Providing employees of Housing 21 with clear and practical guidance, allowing victims/survivor(s) to have more information about their choices
  • Working in partnership and signpost, offering support to perpetrators of domestic abuse who recognise and seek to change their own behaviour
  • Assisting managers in supporting residents who may be victim/survivor of domestic abuse when incidents are reported to allow for safety planning as part of the support
  • Removing stigma of domestic abuse for residents and employees
• Demonstrating Housing 21’s commitment to challenging domestic abuse.