Supporting Victims of Domestic Abuse

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1 Supporting Victims of Domestic Abuse Denise Pearce Community Safety and Supported Living Manager Bron Afon Community Housing Ltd Rebecca Jackson Researcher Shelter Cymru

2 Overview Why? Short Quiz What do we do? How do we do it? What are the benefits? Evaluation Next Steps

3 SHORT QUIZ

4 Why should we support Victims of Domestic Abuse? 8000 incidents reported in Gwent 2010 Cost to public services 7m per year in Torfaen 43 presentations to Homeless last year DA Biggest killer of women Only 8 victims known to Bron Afon previous 12months Safeguard and ultimately Save lives

5 Bron Afon s Involvement Training for all front line staff increased knowledge and understanding/safety planning Resources staff time Cost of extra safety measures/cctv Immediately assess risk, work with other agencies, offer support, address issues with tenancies and install safety measures

6 Other Agencies Involved DA Police Officers Neighbourhood Police Officers Probation Social Services Health Homeless RSL s IDVA Women s Aid Education Mental Health Substance misuse agencies

7 Benefits Early intervention/prevention Co-ordinated working across all agencies Victim centred increase confidence Breaking the cycle of Family Violence 370 incidents involved BA tenancies 1 st year ASB complaints (40% - 9%) rent arrears (63% NSP stage - 15%) Less void properties Savings for all agencies

8 Actions following DACC or MARAC Visit to victim Extra protective measures/cctv Tenancy issues resolved/priority move Action against perpetrator Trespass Notice Injunction/exclusion order Support for perpetrator to secure own accommodation

9 Evaluation 85% of 1 st point of contact with victims by agencies Agencies more aware of other agencies responsibilities/tools Faster more focussed/joined up support Immediate safety planning Victims feel supported and aware of all options Need to establish OBA framework

10 Evaluation of Bron Afon Support Victims felt empowered to: End relationship Engage with Police and give evidence Engage with Torfaen Womens Aid Tailored safety measures to individual issues 11 out of 12 would have moved/refuge/homeless Comments made: Excellent, wonderful service, fantastic, great help, marvellous.

11 Background BSc Housing policy and practice Work Placement DACC and Research Welsh Government DA White paper Dissertation: The role of RSLs in tackling domestic abuse in Gwent and the wider implications

12 Understanding and mindset. Domestic Abuse in a wider context: - Links with Arrears and ASB - Narrow perspectives DACC and Partnership working: -Links to engagement and good practice -Consistent support = positive outcomes Domestic abuse and housing management: -Is it our responsibility? Is it a priority? -Does it make a difference?

13 Recommendations: Housing and domestic abuse charter: -Minimum standard of response -Consistency and transparency Further research Housing and DA specific training.

14 Case Studies Emily Very high risk need to balance her needs as victim of DA with those of neighbours affected by ASB caused Janet Caused noise nuisance to neighbours for many years. Numerous calls to Police by her/her son. ABC every 6 months. Impact on relationship with son. Physical and Mental Health, dependant on alcohol for many years.

15 Next Steps Explore relationship DA with ASB and Income Review of Community Housing Service to address Raise awareness for all staff through Safeguarding Group Develop Best Practice Pan Gwent with other RSL s Support for victims who are not tenants of RSL s Explore funding opportunities Extensive promotion/awareness campaign