Type:	Report
Title:	Behind closed doors : providing services to those at risk of domestic violence
Authors:	Housing Corporation
Keywords:	Personal stories;Standards;Prevention;Housing
Year:	2008
Publisher:	Housing Corporation
Notes:	General Overview: Prepared by the United Kingdom (UK) Housing Corporation, this ‘guidance note’, provides information and practical strategies to assist social housing association staff respond to situations of domestic violence experienced by tenants and colleagues. Discussion: At the outset, the guidance provides a definition of domestic violence and relevant statistics from the UK Home Office and British Medical Association. It goes on to suggest that the response to intimate partner violence is not consistent throughout the social housing sector. In response, the document aims to increase awareness of domestic violence issues throughout the sector and to improve the capacity of housing associations to respond appropriately through the adoption of a strategic approach to practice. The bulk of the document details possible components of a strategic approach and practical advice for frontline staff responding to situations of domestic violence, interspersed with victims’ stories and examples of good practice. Key strategies include: awareness raising and training programs for staff that address key issues and legislation; developing an appropriate interagency approach; providing accessible information for staff, tenants and the wider community in a variety of languages and media; and developing policies and procedures for frontline staff. Practical advice for frontline staff responding to domestic violence includes strategies for: responding appropriately to disclosures of violence and undertaking safety planning; providing ongoing support, information and referrals; considering the impacts of violence on children and mandatory reporting responsibilities; supporting victims to leave; and working with perpetrators of violence. The report concludes with two appendices, which provide contact details for relevant national agencies and an overview of the housing rights of victims of domestic violence, as enshrined in the Family Law, Housing and Homelessness Acts and associated Guidance Codes.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/18977
Physical description:	29 p.
Appears in Collections:	Reports

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