Housing Associations Domestic Abuse Housing Support Survey

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 a limited number of Housing Associations in Essex to support with delivering outcomes relating to the following areas within the DLUHC (Department for Levelling Up Housing and communities) DA Guidance.

1. housing-related support comprising advice and support; for example, securing 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

Funding can only be used for revenue and will be for 12 months. Funding will be capped at a minimum value of £5,500 per organisation, depending on the number of applications received, this could increase. 

• Increased awareness of Domestic Abuse provisions and support. 
• Improved multi-agency working across the system.
• Pathways are clearer for all services that are accessible.
• Strengthen the role of social landlords in earlier identification and prevention for Domestic Abuse
• SU's feel safer and better equipped to remain safe in accommodation.
• SU's able to manage financial difficulties and become financially stable and independent.

We would also seek to establish a data sharing agreement with Housing Associations. This will support ongoing sharing of Domestic Abuse information to demonstrate our accountability obligations under The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 to produce a local needs assessment every 4 years. The data will include (but is not limited to).

• Number of Domestic abuse incidents recorded
• Case numbers by age, gender, sexuality, and ethnicity
• Number of children in the home
• Mental health needs
• Physical health needs and disability
• Alcohol or drug dependency

This is an initial opportunity to develop ways of working, share best practice and understand where we can join and share resources– we see this as a chance test and learn some new ways of working that can be taken forward and scaled up. 

Applications must be submitted by 31st January . Grants will be awarded based on a competitive process, which includes a selection determined by the merits of the application and ability to meet the outcomes and reporting requirements.