Dealing with Domestic Abuse
In dealing with victims of domestic violence Derwentside Homes will:
- not underestimate the danger someone may be in or assume their fear of violence is exaggerated;
- respect the dignity of victims;
- give serious consideration to the victims account of the incident , recognising that evidence of violence may not always be readily available, and that systematic abuse does not only and necessarily include physical violence;
- consider options for transferring the tenancy, and the mechanisms by which this might be achieved using housing management procedures (such as assignment) or relevant legislation (such as the Matrimonial Causes Act and the Matrimonial Homes Act);
- listen and be guided by the victim in deciding the most suitable course of action in responding to an incident of domestic violence;
- provide a realistic appraisal of the options that can be explored by Derwentside Homes;
- with the victim’s consent signpost / refer to appropriate statutory, voluntary or community organisations if it is unable to help the victim. The exception to this would be if violence against children is disclosed we have a duty to report it under the relevant Children’s Act irrespective of the wishes of the person who discloses the information.
Further information is available in our:
