This is just the start. We’re committed to improving our support and services to survivors beyond our accreditations and ensuring our teams feel confident and have the tools to respond to any disclosures made to us.

Here are some examples of what we are doing:

• We will be training our teams on intersectionality. This is the acknowledgement that everyone has unique experiences of discrimination and oppression, and how our teams will be supported to better understand this.
• ‘Target hardening’ refers to strengthening the security of a building or home to reduce the risk of crime and make it more difficult for offenders to gain entry. In the past six months, our teams have requested window restrictors, lock changes, garden gate locks and sensor lights, all to keep survivors safe in their homes. There was a specific case that required a different type of lock than normal. Our Repairs team was able to apply some additional temporary security measures
  to ensure the resident’s safety while we waited for the lock change.
• Our Attitude Rights and Respect strategy, which you can read about in the summer edition of Havebury News, ensures that we are aware of any survivors and can make our services more accessible, especially regarding repair appointments or services in homes.
• We will continue to complete case audits and reviews regularly to ensure no gaps in contact with victims.
• Internally, we will have regular reflective sessions with our domestic abuse champions, ensuring we share best practices and work together to achieve the best outcomes.
• We’ve made it easier for you to report this, with a ‘callback’ request on our website. The person reporting will then receive a general callback to check if they are okay and if they need any help.

If you, or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse remember you are not alone. We are here to help. You can find further information on our website. If you are in immediate danger please call 999, If you don’t speak or answer questions, press 55 or tap when prompted and your call will be transferred to the police. The police will usually be able to find your location.

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