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Landlord-led domestic abuse initiative gets £30,000 of government funding
A landlord-led initiative to tackle domestic abuse in the social housing sector has been awarded £30,000 of funding from the government.
The Home Office is funding a new online self-assessment toolkit, built by the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA), which is intended to make it easier for housing associations to assess whether they are doing enough to protect residents from domestic abuse.
DAHA is a partnership between Peabody, Gentoo and UK charity Standing Together Against Domestic Violence. Its mission is to improve the housing sector’s response to domestic abuse, using an accreditation process.
The self-assessment toolkit focuses on policy and procedures, risk management, holding perpetrators accountable and training, among other areas.
One domestic abuse survivor, who asked to remain anonymous, praised her housing provider for helping her escape her abusive partner. She said: “It gave me my freedom and a safe place for me and my daughter – a new beginning.”
Gudrun Burnet, co-founder of DAHA, said: “We are thrilled that the Home Office is supporting DAHA in our quest to improve the housing sector’s response to domestic abuse.
“The funding of the online toolkit will support DAHA to disseminate this best practice across the country, helping many more families who are suffering domestic abuse.”
Sarah Newton, minister for vulnerability, safeguarding and countering extremism, said: “By its very nature this kind of abuse happens in the shadows or behind closed doors, with many victims suffering in silence. Housing providers are in a unique position to help identify this hidden crime. I welcome DAHA’s efforts to help these institutions and I am pleased that the government has been able to support its vital work.”
