Updated domestic abuse policy and procedure | Tenant news

We’ve revised our domestic abuse policy to ensure it is up-to-date and relevant.

At Habinteg, we believe our tenants should live without fear and violence from anyone, including relatives, a partner, any member of their household or other individuals.

Our updated policy sets out our commitment and approach to assisting and supporting any of our tenants witnessing or experiencing domestic abuse.

Working together

We asked engaged tenants to work with us and give feedback on our domestic abuse policy and procedures, which was used as the basis for the update.

Our safeguarding policy has also been reviewed to ensure it references the domestic abuse policy.

The updates

Our policy sets out the different forms domestic abuse can take, which includes:

• Emotional and psychological
• Physical
• Sexual
• Financial
• Discriminatory
• Honour-based violence
• Forced marriage
• Female genital mutilation (FGM)
• Controlling behaviour
• Coercive behaviour.

A more detailed explanation of these forms can be found in the policy.

Habinteg can support tenants with things such as completing a risk assessment. We also work with multi-agency partners to provide support for any tenants, including children, facing abuse.

Agency partners include organisations like:

• Women’s aid
• Galop LGBT+ Anti-Violence Charity
• Respect men’s advice line.

The policy includes a useful list of legislation, which protects people who have experienced domestic abuse.

Practical support

You can report abuse to your Neighbourhood Coordinator, and they will work with the Neighbourhood Manager and the Head of Housing to ensure you get the right support.

If you’re worried about a family member or friend who is a Habinteg tenant or a neighbour, speak to their Neighbourhood Team or call Habinteg Direct on 0300 365 3100.

We’ll support tenants however they want to be supported and if they decide they want to relocate, we can help.

Our Neighbourhood Teams are undergoing refresher training to enable them to respond and support tenants who confide in them about abuse.

To find out more about the policy, visit our Domestic Abuse webpage.