Domestic Abuse Policy

Read our Domestic Abuse Policy.

Document Author Kelly Cunningham – Community Safety Team Leader
Document Owner Amy Stirton – Head of Neighbourhoods
Legal Advice Anthony Collins Solicitors
Consultation Consultation undertaken with customers and Resolve, subject matter experts
Approved by Leadership Team
Approved datet January 2025
Review Date January 2028. The policy shall be reviewed every 3 years or if further Government changes impact this policy.
Corporate Plan Aim  People.
Equality Analysis

The EIA was completed in full. 

The EIA recommended amending the paragraph at 5.3 to better reflect intersectionality and impact on Domestic Abuse which has been accepted and included. 

The EIA recommended that although women and girls are disproportionately affected by Domestic Abuse it is important to recognise under reporting and stigma associated with male, transgender and non-binary victims.
Key changes made Feedback from Anthony Collins Solicitors included to ensure compliance with Consumer Standards

  1. Policy purpose

    1. This Policy sets out our approach to tackling issues related to domestic abuse including how we will help and support anybody living in our homes, including leaseholders, who may be experiencing or threatened with domestic abuse, including forced marriage

  2. Policy Scope

    1. This Policy should be adopted by all colleagues, suppliers and volunteers.
    2. This Policy applies to:
      1. Those who are victims of domestic abuse and live in our homes
      2. Those who are perpetrators and live in our homes
    3. We also recognise that our own colleagues may be affected by domestic abuse and are committed to supporting them in any way that we can

  3. Relevant Legislation and Regulation

    1. The following is a list of documents and associate policies/publications which we will consider when developing our approach to dealing with domestic abuse:
      1. Family Law Act 1996
      2. Protection from Harassment Act 1997
      3. Equality Act 2010
      4. Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
      5. Care Act 2014
      6. Domestic Abuse Act 2021
      7. Modern Slavery Act 2015
      8. Housing Act 1996
      9. Children Act 1986
      10. Crime and Disorder Act 1998
      11. Police and Justice Act 2006
      12. HM Government Violence against Women and Girls Strategy and Action Plan 2021
      13. ADASS Adult Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse – guide to support practitioners and managers
      14. HM Government Forced Marriage guidance including forced marriages unity (FMU)
    2. Associated policy documents 
      1. Anti-Social Behaviour Policy
      2. Hate Crime Policy
      3. Safeguarding Children Policy
      4. Safeguarding Adults Policy
      5. Allocations Policy
      6. Greenspace and Communal Buildings Management Policy
      7. Data Protection Policy
      8. Modern Slavery and Anti-Trafficking Policy
      9. Tenancy Policy

  4. Policy Statement

    1. We firmly believe that all our customers and householders should not live in fear of violence or abuse from a partner, or any other member of their household. We will take all reports of domestic abuse seriously and will provide victim centred support tailored to the needs of the individual.
    2. This Policy sets out our commitment to deal with all reports of domestic abuse effectively and efficiently.
    3. We will work in partnership with specialise agencies, both statutory and voluntary, to develop a coordinated approach when responding to the needs of those experiencing domestic abuse so our customers can access the protection and support they need.

  5. Aims

    1. When dealing with domestic abuse issues, we strive to create an environment where victims feel safe to disclose abuse without judgement, knowing they will be believed, listened to and heard.
    2. We will remain person centred, and aim to work with empathy, integrity, and transparency, and respond to the domestic abuse in the most appropriate way that puts the victim at the heart of the intervention and support. Ensuring we listen to the victim when determining the most appropriate course of action and empower them to make decisions and be involved in the solutions to keep them protected.
    3. We will seek to learn from victims to help and inform development and improvement of our services, consider customer support needs and tailoring our approach accordingly, in line with our Reasonable Adjustments Policy.
    4. We will take an intersectional approach regarding a person’s unique experience based on race, gender, sexuality and ability. Ensuring that we take account of communication needs when offering support to those experiencing domestic abuse.
    5. We will work towards a coordinated community response, working together to end domestic abuse by working collaboratively with local agencies to share information and meet the needs of the individuals and families experiencing domestic abuse.
    6. We will take into account all protected characteristics that are presented by customers and members of their household when assessing the risk and action we can take, promoting the opportunity for the victim to remain in their home where it is their choice, and it is safe for them to do so. Working with the customer to determine whether extra security measures (such as lock changes are required to reduce or remove the risk of harm if they remain at home.
    7. Explore other housing opportunities and provide the victim with the appropriate advice and support including a management move to an alternative address should it be clear it is unsafe for them to remain in their current home.
    8. Carry out robust partnership working with other relevant agencies to support victims of domestic abuse to rebuild their lives. We will also make safeguarding referrals for adults or children where appropriate.
    9. Take action against anyone responsible for domestic abuse where it is in the best interest of the victim and where we can do so without compromising the safety of the individual. We will also signpost the victim so that they can access legal advice quickly about any joint tenancy.
    10. Hold perpetrators to account for their behaviour and take action where evidence is available, making best use of appropriate legislation both criminal and civil remedies.
    11. Refer our concerns to the police where we suspect that the nature of the domestic abuse means that modern slavery may be occurring
    12. Provide information about domestic abuse on our notice boards and website and provide publicity in other languages to raise awareness of domestic abuse where the need is identified.
    13. Make customers aware of appropriate support and advice available regarding domestic abuse, including from third party organisations and offer customers affected by domestic abuse referrals to any appropriate agencies. This includes supporting perpetrators of domestic abuse who recognise and seek to change their behaviour by signposting them to specialist support agencies.

  6. DEFINITIONS

    1. One Manchester will adopt the definition of domestic violence and abuse from the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 which is – “Behaviour of a person (“A”) towards another person (“B”) is “domestic abuse” if:

      1. A and B are each aged 16 or over and are personally connected to each other, and their behaviour is abusive

        Behaviour is abuse if it consists of any of the following:

        - Physical or sexual abuse
        - Violent or threatening behaviour
        - Controlling or coercive behaviour
        - Economic abuse
        - Psychological, emotional or other abuse
        - This definition includes modern day slavery, coercive control, honour-based abuse, forced marriage and female genital mutilation 

    2. This definition goes well beyond intimate partner violence (IPV) in the home and also recognises that a child who sees or hears, or experiences the effects of domestic abuse and is related the person being abused or the perpetrator, is also to be regarded as a victim of domestic abuse in their own right.

  7. Working in partnership

    1. Where the relevant referral requirements are met, we will liaise with the local MARAC.
    2. We will also liaise with the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangement (MAPPA), where the local referral requirements are met, where we have serious concerns, or if MAPPA inform us about the matter
    3. We will actively participate in other relevant local partnerships where appropriate and we will wok with specialist support agencies such as IDVA, MWA Victim Support.

  8. Colleague Training

    1. We will ensure that all colleagues are aware of their potential role when they receive a report of a domestic abuse risk or concern, and what they should do.
    2. We will provide clear guidance and training for all relevant staff on how to recognise the symptoms and signs of domestic abuse and how to report their concerns and to be able to provide basic advice and support to people.
    3. We are committed to raising awareness and understanding among relevant staff so they are able to recognise the signs of domestic violence particularly those linked to a customer’s housing circumstances.

  9. Confidentiality

    1. Data sharing with police, local authority and other partners is limited by the data protection act 2018 and the Data Protection Regulations and we will agree data sharing protocols with them.
    2. Disclosure of domestic abuse will be treated in the strictest of confidence, unless we have a duty to disclose information to:
      1. Protect the victim
      2. Prevent harm to someone else, or
      3. Prevent or detect a crime 

  10. Complaints

    1. If a customer is unhappy about a decision in relation to this policy, they should first follow our complaints process. If they are still not satisfied, they may then take the complaint to the Housing Ombudsman.

  11. Equality impact assessment

    1. An Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) has been completed and assessed.

  12. Monitoring and Reviewing

    1. Compliance with this policy shall be the responsibility of Head of Neighbourhoods.
    2. This policy shall be reviewed every 3 years or if further changes in legislation or regulation impact this policy. The Head of Neighbourhoods will be responsible for initiating a review of this policy.
    3. This Director of Operations is responsible for interpreting this policy where the provisions are unclear or there is ambiguity. Any interpretation will automatically become incorporated into the policy.
    4. The Officer or Officers operating the policy in practice are responsible for implementing the policy and interpreting the policy giving the words of the policy their common everyday meaning.