Resident domestic abuse policy

This policy sets out Ashfield District Council’s commitment to:

1. Adhering to the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) values and principles in our response to domestic abuse, further information can be obtained from:
   • website: Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance
2. Recognise residents who are affected by domestic abuse, identifying and supporting them with their individual needs.
3. Preventing further incidents by raising awareness, encouraging earlier reporting and responding to any disclosures promptly and sensitively.
4. Taking appropriate action to hold perpetrators of domestic abuse to account. 

We believe that domestic abuse is unacceptable, no one should live in fear of violence.

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone; however, we recognise the gendered nature of domestic abuse and that whilst all genders may experience incidents of abuse, women are considerably more likely to experience repeated and severe forms of abuse or violence which results in injury or death. Women experience higher rates of repeated victimisation, are much more likely to be seriously hurt or killed and are at an increased risk of experiencing coercive and controlling behaviours in comparison to male victims. 
Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a term that describes forms of violence and abuse which includes domestic abuse. Other forms of abuse disproportionately affecting women and girls include stalking, “honour”- based abuse including “honour” killings, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and incidents of image-based sexual abuse.

Men, boys and those who identify as non-binary can also be victims of violence and abuse and the approaches set out in this policy will benefit all victim-survivors of these crime types as we seek to be gender-informed, but also gender-inclusive when dealing with domestic abuse. 

2.1 - Ashfield District Council supports victim-survivors of domestic abuse according to their needs, recognising that they may be presenting with intersecting needs as a result of their unique protected characteristics.

2.2 - We aim to:

• Bring down barriers to disclosure and ensure that victim-survivors can access the information and support they need. 
• Prevent homelessness and work with you to address your housing needs.
• Increase awareness and understanding of this issue amongst residents, employees and other Council members.
• Facilitate early identification of domestic abuse and offer supportive and effective intervention for victim-survivors as well as challenge abusive behaviours of perpetrators. 
• Act quickly and consistently to all reports of domestic abuse, with the goal of keeping people safe and improving their wellbeing.
• Support and empower survivors by giving them clear information about their choices and where they can access help, including from other agencies.
• Ensure that where children or young people are affected by domestic abuse, they too have access to services as soon as possible. This may include making safeguarding referrals if we believe that a child or a vulnerable adult is at risk due to an abusive relationship.
• Signpost victim-survivors to where they can access specialist help with the use of civil and criminal laws. 
• Hold perpetrators of domestic abuse to account for their behaviour including intervening, using community protections measures; and where appropriate, signpost them to agencies who can offer them specialist support to reduce the risk of abuse re-occurring. 

3.1 - This policy applies to all residents of Ashfield regardless of their housing situation or protected characteristics.

Domestic abuse isn’t just physical violence. It can also include:

• Emotional or psychological abuse
• Controlling or coercive behaviour
• Economic abuse (e.g. stopping someone from accessing money or essentials)

The law applies when:

• Both people are aged 16 or over
• They are personally connected (e.g. partners, relatives, or share a child)

Personally connected means:

• Married or civil partners (past or present)
• Engaged or agreed to civil partnership
• In an intimate relationship (past or present)
• Share parental responsibility for the same child
• Are relatives

Abuse can be:

• Physical or sexual
• Threatening or violent
• Controlling or coercive
• Economic (e.g. restricting access to money or property

It can be one incident, or a pattern of behaviour.

Children are also recognised as victims.

A child is considered a victim if they:

• See, hear, or are affected by the abuse
• Are related to either the victim or the abuser

This means children can get support too, including safeguarding and referrals to specialist services.

As a member of the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA), we align our domestic abuse responses to the values of integrity, collaboration, empathy, empowerment, respect and accountability and uphold the DAHA principles as follows:

Non-judgement and belief:

• We will listen and believe those who reports domestic abuse. They will be treated with respect, empathy, care and support.
• We want everyone to speak up—whether they are being abused or have seen it happen.
• We take all reports seriously and will give help and advice as quickly as possible.
• Our staff are trained to help. They know how to spot signs of abuse, respond in the right way, and record what has been shared properly.

Being person centred:

• We put survivors first and at the heart of the intervention.
• We will ensure that all new tenants within Ashfield District Council properties will be informed that incidents of domestic abuse are considered a breach of tenancy and will be made aware of the implications that it can have.
• We will assist perpetrators of domestic abuse who wish to positively change their behaviour by signposting them to access support for their needs including referral to specialist services and behaviour change programmes.

Amplifying victim / survivor voices:

• We welcome feedback from people with lived experience of domestic abuse on all our services and use the learning to continually review and improve our policies, practice and processes. 
• We seek opportunities to amplify the voice of victim-survivors through consultation events which will also feed into our development of our domestic abuse responses.

Intersectionality:

• Domestic abuse affects people in different ways and the help someone needs will depend on their own situation and circumstances.
• We know that some people face extra challenges because of things like their race, gender, age, sexuality, beliefs, or disability. We will take an intersectional approach that recognises a person’s unique experience, and we want to break down barriers, so people feel safe to speak up and get help.
• We will listen to each person’s story and make sure they get the right support for them.

Victim-survivors safety

We put the safety of survivors (including children) first. We start by listening to them and asking what they need and want to happen.

• We want everyone to feel safe at home and in the community. People who cause harm will be held responsible for their actions.
• If you are feeling to scared or anxious we can report abuse to the police on your behalf if you agree for us to do so.
• If we consider a child or vulnerable person is at risk in any situation or if there is a high risk of serious harm to anyone involved, then a safeguarding referral to social care or phone call to police will be necessary whether consent is given or not. 
• We have dedicated officers who can carry out safety planning for those who are experiencing domestic abuse and their children. We will carry out a risk assessment using the Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour (DASH) based Risk Identification Checklist unless we are informed that another organisation has undertaken this assessment. 
• We will refer to the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) where necessary (Please see 9. MARAC). 
• We will share necessary and relevant information with other agencies where there is a need to share information for safeguarding purposes and we will work closely with partner agencies, keeping them informed of any action we have taken. 
  We will support individuals with emergency temporary housing when this is required and appropriate. This may involve a referral to our Housing Options Team. 
• Permanent rehousing for victim-survivors of domestic abuse is approached on a case-by-case basis, with a focus on individual needs and safety. We are committed to ensuring that no one is placed in accommodation that could compromise their wellbeing or expose them to further risk. Housing allocations will be made with careful consideration of each person’s circumstances, prioritising their right to feel safe and secure in their new home.
• We are committed to exploring and taking appropriate enforcement action against individuals responsible for domestic abuse. Such action will only be pursued where it can be done without compromising the safety of the victim-survivor, their children, or any dependants. Wherever possible, we will seek to do this with the support and consent of the victim-survivor.
• Enforcement measures may include, but are not limited to:
  • Community Protection Warnings (CPWs)
  • Community Protection Notices (CPNs)
  • Injunctions
  • Legal action to recover possession of a property - particularly in cases where the perpetrator remains in the home after other household members have left due to domestic abuse.
• Our approach prioritises safety, dignity and the empowerment of those affected.

We use our internet page and social media to remind residents that support is available.

Working towards a Coordinated Community Response (CCR)

We are committed to working collaboratively with local agencies. This includes sharing relevant information, where appropriate and with consent, to ensure a coordinated and effective response.

We will build strong, meaningful relationships with external partners, particularly those with specialist knowledge, experience, and statutory powers to act in the interests of victim-survivors and their families. Our aim is to ensure their safety, wellbeing, and access to the support they need.

Our multi agency approach will:

• Prioritise the safety and needs of victim-survivors
• Coordinate available resources and access to specialist services
• Manage and take appropriate action against perpetrators
• Promote the sharing of best practice across agencies

We will engage support both from within the Council and from external organisations, including but not limited to:

• Specialist domestic abuse support services
• Housing associations and private landlords
• Nottinghamshire Police
• Social Care
• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
• Fire and Rescue Service

Subject to data protection requirements, we will share information with relevant agencies to help identify and appropriately manage serial perpetrators of domestic abuse.

6.1 - The Ashfield District Council Sanctuary Scheme is an additional option for households at risk of domestic abuse. The Scheme is a victim-survivor centred initiative which aims to enable households at risk of violence to both remain and feel safe in their own home, where suitable and appropriate, by installing additional security measures that are identified through a property assessment. 

7.1 - A Domestic Abuse, Stalking, and Harassment risk assessment, helps practitioners identify high-risk cases of domestic abuse, stalking, and honour-based violence. It's a tool for frontline professionals to assess the level of risk faced by a victim and determine if a referral to a Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) is necessary.

7.2 - We are an active member of county MARAC Meetings. The purpose of the MARAC is to develop a coordinated, safety-focused action plan aimed at reducing risk and improving outcomes for those affected. All discussions within the MARAC are strictly confidential and conducted in accordance with data protection legislation and safeguarding protocols. 

7.3 - High-risk domestic abuse cases are reviewed at the fortnightly Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC). These meetings bring together representatives from a range of statutory and voluntary agencies to share relevant information about the victim-survivor, their family, and the perpetrator.

The purpose of the MARAC is to develop a coordinated, safety-focused action plan aimed at reducing risk and improving outcomes for those affected. All discussions within the MARAC are strictly confidential and conducted in accordance with data protection legislation and safeguarding protocols.

8.1 - A domestic abuse e-Learning package is mandatory for all employees joining Ashfield District Council. This will ensure our employees not only have a good understanding of domestic abuse and how to recognise the signs but are also informed in how to deal with disclosures appropriately and sensitively. The e-learning is supplemented by access to local specialist domestic abuse training undertaken by a commissioned domestic abuse service to ensure that our approach is informed by the most recent best practice. 

8.2 - In addition to domestic abuse training, safeguarding training is a mandatory requirement for all Council employees. This ensures that staff are equipped to recognise and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns across a range of contexts.

9.1 - Victim-survivors will be encouraged to allow employees to share information with other agencies to ensure that full support can be provided. All information provided by the victim-survivor will be treated in the utmost confidence and we will respect the wishes of those who do not consent to having their information shared. However, there may be circumstances where the safety of the victim-survivor, their children or others overrides their right to confidentiality. Under the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and the Data Protection Act (2018), we may share information without consent if we believe there is a lawful reason to do so. In these circumstances, we will ensure that the data we share adheres to the principles of the information shared being necessary, proportionate, relevant, adequate, accurate, timely and that it is shared securely. There may also be occasions where the Authority is obliged to carry out statutory enquiries based on the confidential information it has received. 

9.2 - We will share information in accordance with the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. 

10.1 - This Policy will be reviewed every three years, consider relevant research, feedback, national policy and/or legislation, business or local/national domestic abuse sector developments that have taken place since the last policy review. 

10.2 - To ensure that it continues to meet its objectives and take account of good practice developments, the review process will reflect employee and resident feedback, and all recommendations made during any local domestic homicide, serious case or safeguarding adult review. 

10.3 - Related Policies and Procedures to be cross-referenced with this policy are:

• Anti-Social Behaviour Policy 23 - 25
• Safeguarding Policy (Tri-x)
• Data Protection 
• Tenancy Policy
• Vulnerable Tenants Policy
• Homefinder Lettings Policy

An Equality Impact Assessment of this policy has been considered, however there are no negative impacts, as the purpose of the policy is to protect those who are vulnerable, supporting change and improving the lives and health and safety of those affected.

The policy also aims to address the abusive behaviour of perpetrators working within the organisation, offering them support to change their behaviour. 

Ashfield District Council (including Housing Options, Tenancies and Repairs teams): 

• telephone: 01623 450000

Juno Women’s Aid (Nottinghamshire women, children, and teenage victim-survivors): 

• telephone: 0808 800 0340  

NIDAS (Ashfield and Mansfield women victim-survivors and their families):

• telephone: 01623 683250

Equation (Nottinghamshire male victim-survivor support helpline): 

• telephone: 0800 995 6999

National Domestic Violence helpline (24 Hour): 

• telephone: 0808 2000 247

Nottingham Muslim Women’s Network (Muslim women experiencing domestic abuse)

• telephone: 0115 837 2627 or 07826 464 722

Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) 

• telephone: 0207 008 0151

GALOP (LGBT+ Victim-survivors): 

• telephone: 0800 999 5428

Respect (national perpetrator support line):  

• telephone: 0808 8024040

National Stalking Helpline: 

• telephone: 0808 802 0300

Victim Support: 

• telephone: 0808 168 9111

National Centre for Domestic Violence (emergency injunctions):

• telephone: 0800 970 2070

Citizen Advice Bureau (advice on debts, housing, benefits, law and more): 

• telephone: 0800 144 8848 

Crisis Team (mental health crisis):

• telephone: 0808 196 3779

Samaritans (struggling with mental health/ thoughts of harming yourself): 

• telephone: 116 123

Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (Safeguarding concerns regarding adults or children):

• telephone: 0300 500 80 80

Relate (relationship counselling by professionals trained to identify and respond to abuse within relationships). 

Adult Deaf and Visually Impaired Service

• telephone: 03000500 80 80
• website: Nottinghamshire County Council - Support for people who are Deaf or visually impaired