16th April 2015

Introducing National Housing Standards for Domestic Abuse

Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance

A national alliance formed to improve the housing sector’s response to domestic abuse, has engaged over 50 housing providers since its launch in September 2014.

The Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) brings together the expertise of London based housing association Peabody, social business Gentoo Group, and charity Standing Together against Domestic Violence, who share a longstanding commitment to tackling domestic abuse, partnership working and sharing best practice.

More than a million women are subjected to abuse in the home every year. Housing staff can be the friendly, familiar face offering the first step of support towards safety. Through training, education and a partnership approach, they can spot the signs of at a much earlier stage; prevent the situation from spiralling out of control and ultimately save lives.

DAHA have produced an accreditation process which examines service delivery nationally and brings together best practice. The process allows organisations to assess existing practice and implement an improvement plan.

Why?

• Improves staff confidence in identifying and dealing with domestic abuse


• Standardises processes so residents get the right response every time


• Increases staff skills and their interaction with local initiatives, by adopting industry-standard referral tools


• Reduces costs to organisations, from domestic abuse-related repairs, turnover of housing stock and rent arrears


• Reduces costs to the public purse in relation to domestic abuse via earlier interventions by housing providers

To increase awareness, DAHA is working closely with local councils and housing providers across the UK, and have engaged with professionals at conferences and workshops.

To date there have been 50 expressions of interest from housing providers. DAHA is currently following up with these organisations with a view to carrying out initial assessments on their performance and any gaps in their service.

Over five million people live in council and housing association homes in England and Wales. Both governments recognise and support the key role of housing, in ensuring a co-ordinated, multi-agency community response to domestic abuse.

For more information on DAHA contact:

Gudrun Burnet, Senior Business Partner, Peabody

AWG Newsletter - March 2015 16

T: 0207 021 4184
E: gudrun.burnet@peabody.org.uk

Kelly Henderson, Business Manager (Domestic Abuse) Gentoo Group

T: 0191 525 5974
E: Kelly.Henderson@gentoogroup.com

You can follow @DAHAlliance on Twitter.