Tackling Domestic Abuse in Housing
To further provide support to residents at risk of Domestic Abuse, South Essex Homes has joined DAHA – the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance.
What is DAHA? (Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance)
DAHA is a national partnership between three agencies: housing associations Peabody (London) and Gentoo (Sunderland), and London-based charity Standing Together Against Domestic Violence. The mission of DAHA is to improve the housing sector’s response to domestic abuse through the introduction of a set of standards and an accreditation process.
Housing is the primary barrier for women attempting to leave abusive situations. We have also seen that domestic abuse is one of the highest causes of homelessness amongst women.
Housing providers are ideally placed to spot and respond to domestic abuse as a first point of contact, and DAHA continue to work with their partners to provide support for victims of domestic abuse and their families.
Sarah Lander, Assistant Director (Operations) at South Essex Homes said: “Domestic Abuse (DA) is a growing issue nationally, so South Essex Homes is determined that as an organisation, we can confidently and effectively support and guide survivors of domestic abuse – whether they are our customers, partners, or our own staff.
“We are proud to say that we have recently become a member of the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance and have started to undertake the DAHA Accreditation process which will help us ensure that the quality of our response to DA survivors including making sure the right policies and procedures are in place, staff have proper training and we are fully equipped to support and advise anyone affected by DA.”
Need urgent help?
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, help and support is available:
- In an emergency call the Police on 999.
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247.
- Or for advice and access to support please email daha_team@standingtogether.org.uk