Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance

As we mark the end of the #16DaysofActivism, we reflect on the harsh reality that home is often the most dangerous place for victims and survivors of domestic abuse. Housing remains a significant barrier for women trying to leave abusive situations and is the leading cause of homelessness among women. However, these outcomes are preventable. When housing providers and local authorities are equipped to spot domestic abuse early and respond effectively, survivors can be supported as part of a #CoordinatedCommunityResponse to domestic abuse. At #DAHA, we are committed to ensuring that all housing providers and local authorities across the UK can offer a safe, consistent, and effective response to domestic abuse. Through our training, membership, and accreditation frameworks, we empower organisations to make a real difference. Our #vision is clear: Survivors—no matter their housing circumstance or tenure—will receive the right support at the right time from local authorities and housing providers. Housing is not just bricks and mortar—it can be the lifeline that enables survivors to escape abuse and rebuild their lives. 🔸 Why housing matters in the fight against domestic abuse: - Survivors often remain in abusive relationships due to a lack of safe housing options.  - Housing providers are on the frontlines of identifying abuse and providing life-changing interventions.  - By prioritising safe and secure homes, we ensure that survivors have the foundation they need to move forward. 💡 During the 16 Days of Activism, we urge all housing providers and local authorities to join us in building a coordinated response to domestic abuse and ensuring safe housing for all survivors. Together, we can make lasting change. #16DaysOfActivism #16Days #EndViolence #DAHA #DomesticAbuseHousingAlliance #NoExcuse #HousingMatters #DomesticAbuse 

As part of the 16 Days of Activism, we are shining a light on outstanding organisations that inspire change. Today, we are proud to highlight the ‘by & for’ organisations we have partnered with for the #WholeHousingApproach (#WHA) pilot in #CheshireEast and are providing vital support to their communities.    💡 #PearlsofCheshire is a community organisation based in Macclesfield and focused on empowering women and children from diverse backgrounds, particularly those from Black and minoritised communities. They provide holistic and culturally sensitive support to some of the most marginalised women who face a range of intersectional needs.     💡 #PrideofRomany is a grassroot organisation dedicated to preserve and celebrate the British Romany culture and heritage, providing a range of educational programmes, advocacy and community support. As part of the WHA pilot, they have provided excellent training to professionals on supporting British Romany Gipsy survivors.    💡 Disability Positive, SAVERA UK, and #Vesta innovative approaches provide a voice to marginalised victim/survivors of both domestic abuse and harmful practices who face additional barriers to accessing mainstream support services. They value lived experience and have provided the WHA pilot with essential insight into how local authority domestic abuse and housing services should reach out to communities. This is helping us progress towards an approach where vulnerable victim/survivors are not further marginalised, are able to access the support they need, and are ultimately kept safe from harm. The work of these organisations underscores the importance of equitable partnerships by ‘by & for’ agencies and serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through dedication and collaboration. The WHA project has gained so much knowledge from their involvement and expertise, and we are excited to seeing how their work continues to grow and develop to help improve the housing response to all survivors in Cheshire East, and are committed to promoting an approach that values the expertise of ‘by & fors’ and centres them as an essential part of the WHA.    Written by our Whole Housing Approach Pilot Lead, Clementine Traynard, and our Whole Housing Approach Research and Evaluation Analyst, Jessica Edington.    💡 Throughout the 16 Days of Activism, we encourage all housing providers to consider their crucial role in supporting survivors. Achieving DAHA Accreditation goes beyond recognition—it signifies a profound commitment to saving lives. Together, we can strive toward a future where everyone has a safe and secure place to call home. #16DaysOfActivism #16Days #EndViolence #DAHA #DomesticAbuseHousingAlliance #WHA #WholeHousingApproach #NoExcuse #HousingMatters 

Spotlighting Best Practice: Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA). 💡 During the 16 Days of Activism, we’re shining a light on outstanding examples of best practices that inspire change. Today, we’re proud to highlight Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) and their impactful work to highlight and raise awareness of Economic Abuse. It is estimated that 95% of domestic abuse victim/survivors experience economic abuse and 1 in 5 women will experience this during their lifetime.  Since it was founded in 2017, Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) has raised the awareness of economic abuse, ensuring that it was included in the statutory definition of Domestic Abuse in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. They also highlighted that economic abuse very often continues to take place once other abuse has stopped and the relationship ended.  This led to Post Separation Abuse becoming a standalone offence within the Serious Crime Act. In wider work Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) has worked with the financial services industry to improve the sector response to economic abuse for victim/survivors, leading to many positive changes, including the new Financial Abuse Code launched in 2021.  More recently the Joint Mortgages Report has highlighted how perpetrators use mortgages as a weapon to create long term housing insecurity for their victim. With 64% of the population living in privately owned homes, this impacts a very high number of victim/survivors.  Within our Whole Housing Approach team we have worked closely with Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA), who have been a key partner in our work with our pilot site in Cheshire East Council.  During the 16 days we will be hosting a special #webinar for the Cheshire East Council team around the Joint Mortgages Report, so that they can better help those victim/survivors in Cheshire East who live in privately owned homes. We are proud to call Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) our partners and applaud their ground breaking work in the economic abuse field. Written by our Head of Housing, Nicki Clarke. #16DaysOfActivism #16Days #EndViolence #SEA #SurvivingEconomicAbuse #DAHA #DomesticAbuseHousingAlliance #NoExcuse #HousingMatters 

As part of 16 Days of Activism, it is important to highlight the role housing play in supporting people experiencing domestic abuse. Housing is a primary barrier for women attempting to leave abusive situations and domestic abuse remains one of the highest causes of homelessness amongst women. It is recorded that 1 in 6 new cases of homelessness are as a result of fleeing domestic abuse and tragically home is where the perpetrator is most likely to kill their victim. Key themes identified in DHR’s (Domestic Homicide Reviews – now renamed, DARDR, Domestic Abuse Related Death Review) for areas of improvement include: 1). #Contact: the need for greater contact with victims and recognition that the perpetrator can control the victim’s contact with agencies. 2). #Assessment: the need to improve risk assessments, carer’s assessments, or mental health assessments. 3). #Records: information can be missing and not shared between agencies. 4). #Support: for staff whose work involved cases of domestic abuse and cases where support for victim was not identified or, where the need for support was identified, but there was no plan to provide it. 5). #Information: the need to improve information sharing between agencies, to hold accurate information and then use it effectively to manage risk. 6). #Risk: the right risk level needs to be identified, with information held by other agencies included. 7). #Referrals: are not always made when needed. 8). #Training: the need to update training and make it accessible. 9). #Policy: occasions when action taken was not in line with policy and there were agencies without a domestic abuse policy. Through the DAHA accreditation, we support the housing sector to consider these themes within their response to domestic abuse, as well as trying to enhance their status within the #CoordinatedCommunityResponse (#CCR). Whilst not expecting them to become experts in domestic abuse, but to support their staff to have the knowledge, tools, resources and support to confidently identify and respond to domestic abuse within the context of their role and working with partner agencies to ensure best and safest outcomes are achieved for victims and survivors. The DAHA members who have achieved their accreditation and those that are working towards it, show their dedication to improve the response for victims and survivors of domestic abuse. It is wonderful to see so many local authorities and housing providers striving to do better and playing their part in ending violence against women. Written by our DAHA Regional Lead, Rebecca Alexander. 💡 Together, we can strive toward a future where everyone has a safe and secure place to call home. #16DaysOfActivism #16Days #EndViolence #DAHA #DomesticAbuseHousingAlliance #NoExcuse #HousingMatters

During the 16 Days of Activism, we are shining a light on outstanding examples of best practices that inspire change. Today, we are proud to highlight South Essex Homes and their impactful work around supporting domestic abuse survivors and raising awareness, which has set a benchmark in Essex. South Essex Homes were awarded accreditation in 2023 and have continued to have shown their commitment to raising awareness of domestic abuse through their creative campaigns throughout the year, using various online platforms and in person events.  At DAHA, we are inspired by South Essex Homes’ ethos across the organisation which is survivor led, and tenant focused. There is a strong sense of community spirit, ensuring there is collaboration with not only tenants, but staff on how to improve their response to domestic abuse. Their hard work has been recognised at the Essex Housing Awards 2024, winning an award in the “Healthy Housing” Category, highlighting and celebrating the amazing impact they have had locally on supporting victims and survivors. Thank you, South Essex Homes, for your continued commitment and passion to improving the coordinated community response to domestic abuse. Written by our DAHA Regional Lead, Liberty Spencer. 💡 Throughout the 16 Days of Activism, we encourage all housing providers to consider their crucial role in supporting survivors. Achieving DAHA Accreditation goes beyond recognition—it signifies a profound commitment to saving lives. Together, we can strive toward a future where everyone has a safe and secure place to call home. #16DaysOfActivism #16Days #EndViolence #DAHA #DomesticAbuseHousingAlliance #NoExcuse #SouthEssexHomes #HousingMatters 

On this year's 16 Days of Activism, DAHA was invited to attend a breakfast morning with one of our Welsh DAHA Members, Monmouthshire Housing Association whose mission is: ‘to provide high quality homes and services that put people first’. It was a great opportunity to reflect on Monmouthshire Housing Association's commitment to provide a great housing response to domestic abuse through their work towards achieving DAHA accreditation. The event was attended by local domestic abuse services Bawso Ltd, CYFANNOL WOMEN'S AID, the IDVA service, Llamau as well as Gwent Police PCC Jane Mudd and Rachel Court (nee Williams), a survivor of domestic abuse and the founder of Standing Up To Domestic Abuse. Rachel’s presentation about her own experience of surviving domestic abuse was a good opportunity for reflection, and a reminder about the ongoing work that has to be done to create a real systemic change that will make a difference to the lives of survivors. We heard some great ideas about how to improve partnership working, and it was great to hear Jane Mudd’s commitment to prioritising VAWG within her work as well as her support to Monmouthshire Housing Association in their domestic abuse accreditation journey. We have recently seen some great examples of practice from Monmouthshire Housing Association, whose Community Safety Team works tirelessly to advocate for victims/survivors within the multi-agency safeguarding arrangements, demonstrating their key role as a housing provider within the local coordinated community response to domestic abuse. Monmouthshire Housing Association has a strong response to perpetrators of domestic abuse through enforcing breaches of tenancy agreements and by working creatively with partners in probation, police and specialist services to explore alternative housing pathways and other forms of support where appropriate and in the best interest of the survivor. We thank Monmouthshire Housing Association for including DAHA in their event and we thank them for their ongoing commitment to drive change within their community. Written by our DAHA Regional Lead, Maja Rojsza. 💡 During these 16 Days of Activism, we urge all housing providers to reflect on their role in supporting survivors. DAHA Accreditation is more than a mark of excellence—it’s a commitment to saving lives. Let’s continue to work together to create a world where everyone has a safe place to call home. #16DaysOfActivism #16Days #EndViolence #DAHA #DomesticAbuseHousingAlliance #NoExcuse #MonmouthshireHousingAssociation #HousingMatters

During the 16 Days of Activism, we are pleased to highlight one of our members, Torus, for their exceptional dedication to supporting survivors of domestic abuse. Torus successfully achieved their DAHA Accreditation in October this year.  Torus have achieved effective embedding of DAHA’s values throughout the organisation’s response to domestic abuse, and it is evident there is a good understanding of the role that Torus play within the Coordinated Community Response to domestic abuse. This has been achieved through strong governance and leadership, and a flexible and creative approach to adopting and embedding the standards throughout the organisation. We have been particularly impressed with their commitment to ensuring that all staff understand their role in recognising and responding to domestic abuse and are confident in doing this throughout ongoing training, as well as their continuing efforts to explore their role in holding perpetrators to account whilst being mindful of the safety of victim/survivors, which we know is a priority area that can feel more challenging. Torus was assessed by our former Senior Regional Lead, Adela Lategan. We extend our gratitude to Torus for setting a strong example and demonstrating the vital role housing providers play in the fight to end domestic abuse. 💡 Throughout the 16 Days of Activism, we encourage all housing providers to consider their crucial role in supporting survivors. Achieving DAHA Accreditation goes beyond recognition—it signifies a profound commitment to saving lives. Together, we can strive toward a future where everyone has a safe and secure place to call home.  #16DaysOfActivism #16Days #EndViolence #DAHA #DomesticAbuseHousingAlliance #NoExcuse #Torus #HousingMatters 

In recognition of the 16 Days of Activism, we are pleased to highlight one of our members, ForHousing, for their outstanding dedication to supporting survivors of domestic abuse.    ForHousing successfully achieved their DAHA Accreditation this month!   Thank you to all staff involved for all your hard work and ongoing commitment to supporting those experiencing domestic abuse. ForHousing have clearly demonstrated their commitment to the development of the ongoing support for survivors of domestic abuse.    We were particularly impressed with how ForHousing demonstrated a strong commitment to continuous improvement and understanding the customer demographic to ensure services are tailored to meet the needs of the individual.     We are excited to seeing these developments unfolding over the course of our ongoing work with ForHousing. Staff have commented on the strength of the internal partnership working and the nurturing culture of the organisation.     ForHousing was assessed by our Senior Regional Lead, Anna Lock.    We thank ForHousing for leading by example and proving that housing providers can be powerful allies in the fight to end domestic abuse. 💡 During these 16 Days of Activism, we urge all housing providers to reflect on their role in supporting survivors. DAHA Accreditation is more than a mark of excellence—it’s a commitment to saving lives. Let’s continue to work together to create a world where everyone has a safe place to call home. #16DaysOfActivism #16Days #EndViolence #DAHA #DomesticAbuseHousingAlliance #NoExcuse #ForHousing #HousingMatters 

As we mark the 16 Days of Activism, we are proud to spotlight one of our members, Havebury Housing Partnership, for their incredible commitment to supporting survivors of domestic abuse. Havebury Housing Partnership successfully achieved their DAHA Accreditation this year. Havebury Housing Partnership has demonstrated that they meet all 8 standards of the DAHA accreditation framework by providing not only a response to domestic abuse that is trauma informed and survivor led but by investing in training and systems that help staff to identify the early signs of domestic abuse, to know how to have conversations about this with both residents and staff and to share information in accordance with the co-ordinated community response to improve outcomes for those experiencing domestic abuse and their families.  Some of the commitments to support this include designing a bespoke case management system for domestic abuse cases that is separate from ASB, clearly flags DA and gives prompts at each stage so that staff know what next steps to take.  Staff spoke of a huge shift in their confidence in supporting survivors of domestic abuse since they started their progression towards achieving DAHA accreditation and this was recognised also by partner agencies who spoke of a marked improvement in the support given and survivor satisfaction.  Actions taken were swift regarding either making properties safer so that families could stay with their support networks or assisting them to move on when desired including management moves. The network of DA champions was strong and the staff survey that they conducted amongst staff identified even more people who were willing to volunteer as champions which speaks of the level of engagement in the desire to improve situations for both staff and residents experiencing domestic abuse at Havebury.  We were also pleased to see that Havebury has signed up to Unison’s Anti-Racism Charter and are excited to see how an Anti-Racist and Intersectional approach continues to build over the course of our ongoing work with Havebury Housing Partnership to strengthen the response even further. Havebury Housing Partnership was assessed by our Senior Regional Lead, Sharon crosby. We thank Havebury Housing Partnership for leading by example and proving that housing providers can be powerful allies in the fight to end domestic abuse. 💡 During these 16 Days of Activism, we urge all housing providers to reflect on their role in supporting survivors. DAHA Accreditation is more than a mark of excellence—it’s a commitment to saving lives. Let’s continue to work together to create a world where everyone has a safe place to call home. #16DaysOfActivism #16Days #EndViolence #DAHA #DomesticAbuseHousingAlliance #NoExcuse #HaveburyHousingPartnership #HousingMatters 

For this year’s 16 days of activism the UN is asking us to unite to End Violence against Women. This is because we have a worldwide epidemic of femicide where every 10 minutes a woman is killed by an intimate partner or family member. Uniting to end domestic abuse is what we advocate for here at Standing Together and DAHA. We believe that no one sole agency is responsible for ending domestic abuse, instead agencies and communities can work together to provide safe and effective responses. We refer to this as the coordinated community response.  DAHA focuses on the housing sector, working with housing associations and local authorities to do what they can to make survivors safer and play their part in the coordinated community response. Despite stable housing being a fundamental human right it remains out of reach for many survivors of domestic abuse. One of the most common barriers for leaving abusive perpetrators is securing a safe place to live. For many, the fear of homelessness or the financial burden of relocation prevents survivors leaving unsafe situations.  It’s important to recognise how housing plays a critical role in supporting survivors of domestic abuse. We know that 1 in 3 women will experience domestic abuse and that 1 in 6 homeless presentations are due to leaving abusive perpetrators, showing how pervasive this is. By working towards and achieving DAHA accreditation, housing providers are demonstrating a commitment to providing safe responses to those experiencing domestic abuse. As part of the accreditation process, they are strengthening their partnerships with agencies such as domestic abuse services and MARAC, recognising that no single organisation can fully understand a survivor’s experience. However, by working together, we can create a comprehensive picture of their circumstances. 💡 During these 16 days of activism and beyond, lets unite to end domestic abuse. Written by our Multiple Disadvantage DAHA Accreditation Lead & DAHA Regional Lead, Elise Whittaker #16DaysOfActivism #16Days #EndViolence #DAHA #DomesticAbuseHousingAlliance #StandingTogetherAgainstDomesticAbuse #DomesticAbuse #Housing #NoExcuse