NORFOLK HOUSING PROVIDER JOINS NATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO TACKLE DOMESTIC ABUSE

One of Norfolk’s largest social housing providers has become one of the first in the UK to sign up to a new national campaign to tackle domestic abuse.

Victory Housing Trust, which manages over 5,000 homes in Norfolk, has signed up to The Make A Stand campaign, which has been launched by the Chartered Institute of Housing in partnership with Women’s Aid and the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance.

The campaign consist of four commitments which housing organisations can make to support people who live in their properties, and who are experiencing domestic abuse.

By signing up to the campaign, Victory has pledged to:

• put in place a policy to support residents who are experiencing domestic abuse
• make information about national and local domestic abuse support services available online and in other places which are easily accessible to residents and staff
• put in place a HR policy and procedure on domestic abuse, to support members of staff who are experiencing domestic abuse
• appoint a member of staff to champion the activity undertaken to support people experiencing domestic abuse

Victory’s housing director Christine Candlish said, “Domestic abuse is a bigger problem than many people realise, with on average two women killed every week by their partner or ex-partner, and many, many more – both women and men – living lives of fear and intimidation because of abuse within the home.

“Our role is to provide affordable, safe places for people to live, and part of that responsibility is to take seriously the issue of domestic abuse.  That is why Victory has stepped forward to be one of the first housing providers nationally to join the Make A Stand campaign.

“It is vital that we raise awareness of how widespread the problem is, and what support is available for those experiencing domestic abuse, so that we send out a powerful message to survivors of domestic abuse that they are not alone, and that there is help and support available to them.”

Chartered Institute of Housing president Alison Inman added, “I’m thrilled that Victory Housing Trust has signed the Make A Stand pledge, as this could make a very real difference in local communities in Norfolk.”

Kelly Henderson, co-founder of the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance, said, “We are very proud to be part of this pledge and commend Victory Housing Trust for signing up.  We know the housing sector plays a crucial role in recognising and responding to domestic abuse, and this pledge is a really easy way not only to demonstrate commitment but also take the first practical steps to improving the response for both staff and residents.”

More details of the Make A Stand campaign are available at www.cih.org/makeastand.