Domestic Abuse Tier 2 support

Overview

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (The Act) received Royal Assent on 29 April 2021. Part 4 of The Act places a statutory duty on Tier 1 Authorities relating to the provision of support to victims of domestic abuse (DA) and their children residing within safe accommodation, which includes their home where appropriate safety measures are in place.

We (Essex County Council) have identified funds (subject to governance approval) for each of the 12 Tier 2 authorities in Essex to support with delivering outcomes relating to the following areas within the MHCLG DA Guidance;

1. housing-related support comprising advice and support; for example, securing a permanent home, rights to existing accommodation and advice on how to live safely and independently
2. financial advice and support, accessing benefits and establishing independent financial arrangements

The funding can only be used for revenue and will be for 12 months. Full reporting against the outcomes will need to be available by 30^th September 2022. Authorities will need to consider the whole housing approach and deliver against the following outcomes;

• Have greater knowledge and understanding of the housing options available to them
• Have greater knowledge and understanding of how to manage their own finances and the support that is available to them
• Have increased opportunities to stay connected to local support networks, where it safe to do so, including work, family and friends
• Have increased choice and control over the support received
• Feel safer and better equipped to remain safe