Everyone should feel safe at home
Our work to offer high-quality advice and support to both victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse has been recognised as some of the best in the sector by the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA).
bpha has been described as ‘passionate, determined and pioneering’ when it comes to tacking issues surrounding domestic abuse during the two-day audit carried out by DAHA late last year. With our assessor speaking to staff from right across the organisation and thoroughly reviewing bpha’s approach to the ever-growing number of domestic abuse incidents coming to light – particularly during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Sharon Crosby from DAHA said:
“bpha has created an outstanding team of passionate and pioneering staff determined to challenge and change processes, looking at ways to maximise them for the benefit of the resident experiencing domestic abuse.”
Domestic abuse and the rise in cases due to current restrictions has been widely publicised of late with statistics outlining that during the first three weeks of national lockdown in March last year 14 women and two children were killed in domestic abuse incidents. Surveys also demonstrated that victims felt far more unsafe during lockdown measures and support practitioners were significantly more worried about their clients as face-to-face support went on hold.
As a housing association we are well placed to identify potential victims of domestic abuse thanks to the regular contact we have with residents. Trained staff are then able to work with victims to enable them to stay in their home, or move to another if that’s more appropriate, as well as signpost them to the specialist support that best fits their needs.
Helena Pountney, bpha Regional Housing Manager, said:
“Achieving accreditation means so much to us and firms our commitment to supporting victims and perpetrators to access the help and support they need.
“We are not just a landlord. Our priority is to build communities where people can live happily in a home they can afford and the recognition we’ve achieved from DAHA, the leaders in this field, strengthens our pledge to our residents.”
Proud to be
Supporting
