The policy aims to help ‘support victims and survivors’ of domestic abuse locally
Tandridge District Council(Image: Google Maps)
A Surrey council is poised to introduce a domestic abuse housing policy to help “support victims and survivors” and “safeguard vulnerable residents”.
Councillors are being asked to approve Tandridge District Council’s new policy at a meeting of its housing committee next week.
While council housing services and partner organisations currently help support victims of domestic abuse, Tandridge District Council currently has no overarching policy on the matter.
“The development of this policy supports the council’s commitment to adopting a consistent, victim-focused response and ensuring residents can access appropriate support and housing assistance when experiencing abuse,” a council officer’s report reads.
The draft policy sets out the council’s approach to assessing and responding to reports of domestic abuse and defines the key terms involved.
It states that the council should ensure that staff are trained to recognise the signs of domestic abuse and be able to act in an appropriate manner.
The policy says: “The council’s approach to domestic abuse is underpinned by the principles of safety, accountability, equality, and partnership working.
“The council will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to domestic abuse, placing the safety of victims and children at the centre of all decisions and actions.
“It will respond to all reports seriously and sensitively, ensuring that its services are delivered in a manner that does not blame or disadvantage victims.
“It will work in partnership with specialist agencies to provide coordinated support and intervention, promote awareness and understanding of domestic abuse, support all victims regardless of their background or circumstances, and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.”
The policy aims to ensure people can flag domestic abuse incidents in accessible ways, with options to raise reports by phone, email, internet, in person, or through a third-party.
It makes it clear that anyone in immediate danger or in an emergency should call 999.
The role of council officers in supporting victims is also laid out, including their availability to help with risk assessments, housing support, and holding perpetrators accountable.
Tandridge District Councillors will consider the draft policy on September 10. A report issued ahead of the meetings says: “The council has statutory duties relating to housing, homelessness, safeguarding and domestic abuse.
“The proposed policy provides a clear framework to ensure these responsibilities are delivered consistently and effectively.
“Approval of the policy will strengthen the council’s response to domestic abuse, improve support for victims and survivors, promote effective partnership working and ensure compliance with current legislation and best practice.”
Courtesy of Surrey Live – News