Domestic Abuse Support for Housing Associations - Market Engagement Questionnaire

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 providing 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) acknowledge that Housing Associations have an essential role in supporting domestic abuse victims and survivors and aim to do more to ensure that we are continuously engaged in conversation and collaboration. We are currently exploring options of small grants funding (subject to governance approval) for Housing Associations to support with delivering outcomes relating to the following areas within the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). 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

To help us better understand the Housing Association sector, we are undergoing a series of market engagement activities to understand the needs of residents and what the domestic abuse offer currently looks like within the industry.