More support for victims of domestic abuse

The Domestic Abuse Act, which was passed earlier this year, brings about significant changes to the law. It means, for the first time in history, there will be a legal definition of domestic abuse to include emotional, coercive or controlling behaviour, and economic abuse, as well as physical violence. The new laws will also prevent cross-examination by abusers in family court and introduce new powers for the Police to issue Domestic Abuse Protection Orders to safeguard victims and provide immediate protection. 

The Act also creates a statutory duty for local councils to provide safe accommodation for victims of domestic abuse. We are currently working with the national charity Standing Together to examine the support that we offer, to ensure we are doing everything we can to help victims of domestic abuse. We work hard to support council residents who are living in dangerous situations at home.

Members of our team have received specialist training as Domestic Abuse Champions to spot and respond to domestic abuse. Working with partner organisations, we can support affected tenants in various ways including; arranging rehousing, paying for victims to travel to out-of-area refuges, providing furniture to people who have had to flee their homes and leave behind possessions, regularly checking in with victims to ensure they are safe and completing home security improvements.

In addition to the new laws, extra funding has been allocated to provide enhanced support for victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.  Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, recently announced news of the successful bid for central government funding which could be worth a potential £1.5 million over two years. The money will fund an extra 19 specially trained staff to support the most vulnerable victims in the county. They will work to ensure domestic abuse victims, survivors and their children get the best possible support.

How to report domestic abuse

If you’re worried about domestic abuse contact your Local Housing Office in complete confidence. If you’re in danger, or if you feel one of your neighbours is, dial 999.

Further support is available from PIPPA (Southampton) on 023 8091 7917 or call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247.