Hull City Council’s Neighbourhoods and Housing team has been awarded gold accreditation from the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA).
DAHA accreditation is seen as the UK benchmark for how housing providers should respond to domestic abuse.
It is endorsed by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) as best practice in the national Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy.
With assessments being carried out by DAHA every three years, this is the third time in a row that Hull City Council has achieved accreditation.
However, this year marks the introduction of a bronze, silver, and gold framework, and the council has been awarded the highest standard within that grading – gold.
Hull City Council is the only Local Authority in the north of England to achieve the gold standard.
Portfolio holder for communities and community safety, Councillor Ted Dolman, said: “Domestic abuse affects individuals, families and children across every community, and we’re coming together to say abuse in all its forms should never be acceptable.
“This gold accreditation from DAHA can offer assurance to any victims that come forward that they will receive a positive response, either as a tenant or if they’re left homeless because they’ve had to flee abuse.
“All front-line staff in the department, including tenancy officers, are trained to handle disclosures of domestic abuse with care and sensitivity, meaning they can ensure appropriate support is available.
“Everyone deserves to live in safety, free from fear and harm, and we’re sending the message to perpetrators that we have a zero-tolerance approach upheld by all.”
The gold accreditation was granted after a recent assessment, which confirmed the department met all standards of good practice across all 8 priority areas:
- policies and procedures
- staff development and support
- partnerships and collaboration
- safety-led case management
- survivor-led support
- intersectional and anti-racist
- perpetrator accountability
- publicity and awareness raising
DAHA’s regional lead, Elise McNicholas, said: “Hull City Council’s Neighbourhoods and Housing team continues to demonstrate a robust and embedded commitment to safeguarding survivors of domestic abuse.
“The establishment and expansion of the Domestic Abuse Housing Hub, the strong and long-standing partnership with the Domestic Abuse Partnership, and consistent attendance at multi-agency forums all exemplify a service that is both responsive and accountable.”
Hull’s Domestic Abuse Strategy for the next 3 years has recently been published, stressing that domestic abuse is everyone’s business and all organisations in the city have a role to play.
Hull City Council has held White Ribbon status since 2015, with a commitment to tackling violence against women and girls.
Councillor Dolman added: “Domestic abuse can affect anyone regardless of age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation or social background.
“Although we realise it can be difficult to reach out, I would urge anyone affected by domestic abuse to find out what help is available by visiting www.hull.gov.uk/domestic-abuse.”
For more information on the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance, visit DAHA – Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance.