Feedback on revised Domestic Abuse policy

Overview

Responding to reported domestic abuse

Sutton Housing Partnership (SHP) will ensure that domestic abuse can be reported through a variety of methods. Victims/survivors can report by telephone, by email, in person or in writing.

We will make sure anyone can report domestic abuse to us and we will endeavor to provide interpreters and translate information into other languages or formats as needed. This is to ensure that we do not create additional barriers for those who need domestic abuse support and for everyone to be able to access our service in the way they need. If a victim/survivor is in immediate danger, we will support them to call 999, and we will liaise with the police and any other partner agencies to arrange emergency accommodation, where it is required.

We will respond to any reported case within our stipulated time frame (48 hours) and we will liaise with the victim/survivor about the next steps. Our trained Housing Managers will offer an interview and, where necessary, we will offer the option of being interviewed by an employee of a preferred gender if requested by you. We will carry out a risk assessment using the Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour Based Violence (DASH) Risk Identification Checklist. If this has already been completed by a partner agency, we will not ask the victim/survivor to re-complete the checklist. This is to reduce the impact of having to recount the incident over again.

SHP takes a victim/survivor-centered approach and we will consider their views and ongoing safety when deciding the most appropriate course of action. In agreement with the victim/survivor, and their children where applicable, we will agree on a person-centered action plan on how to manage the domestic abuse case.

We will agree on a preferred method of contact or communication with the victim/survivor. This may include talking to us over the phone, meeting with us virtually, at our offices or at another safe location of your choice.

SHP recognises that there are domestic abuse specialist agencies with Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA’s). We will make sure the victim/survivor is always aware of our response and that they agree any actions. Where the victim/survivor agrees, we will signpost or refer them for specialist support. We will discuss different appropriate options with the victim/survivor, considering the needs of each individual case. These may be short term or long term solutions; where appropriate we will offer additional security (sanctuary measures) in their home, based on a person-centered risk assessment. Longer term measures may include taking legal action where it is safe to do so. We won’t pressure victims/survivors to take legal action but will offer advice if it is something they wish to pursue.

This may include sign-posting the victim/survivor to get legal advice about a non-molestation order, or SHP may take a tenancy enforcement against the report perpetrator if it is joint tenancy and where it is safe to do so.

SHP recognises that the loss of security of housing is one of the main factors why survivors don’t leave abusive homes. If you fear for your immediate safety, we will help you consider your housing options. This could include temporary accommodation with the aim to return or a permanent transfer through a management support transfer (MST) if returning home will not be a safe option. If a victim/survivor needs to move homes, the Housing Manager will support
them to request an MST.

We will provide a sensitive and confidential response to anyone approaching us for assistance in cases of domestic abuse and will record, take action, offer support and follow up all reports that we receive. We will keep all cases involving domestic abuse under review until the victim/survivor is satisfied with the outcome, but recognise victims/survivors still have the ongoing trauma of the abuse.