Increasing awareness of domestic violence aim of new guidance
Housing Corporation News Release
Wednesday 3 September 2008 ref: 65/08
Increasing awareness of domestic violence aim of new guidance
New guidance for housing associations aimed at providing services to victims of domestic violence has been published by the Housing Corporation.
The document, Behind Closed Doors, increases the awareness of domestic violence across the sector while improving the capacity of housing associations to respond effectively to victims and, in some cases, the perpetrators as well.
This guidance aims to:
- encourage housing associations to adopt a strategic approach in responding to domestic violence; and
- offer a range of practical suggestions that encourage association staff to put into practice.
The list of practical measures above is not exhaustive. The aim is to assist associations in offering support to victims and in helping them to stay safe.
Housing Corporation Chief Executive Steve Douglas said, “Responding to domestic violence and trying to alleviate the problem requires a multi-agency approach. There is clearly a role for associations to play their part in ensuring that victims of domestic violence are dealt with sympathetically and placed in contact with appropriate agencies for specialist advice and support and I am delighted that many associations are already doing so. This practical guide will assist housing associations to develop best practice.”
Homes Office figures show that, although domestic violence is chronically under reported, research estimates that it:
• accounts for 16% of all reported violent crime (Source: Crime in England and Wales 04/05 report);
• costs in excess of £23 billion a year, of which £3.7 billion are costs to public services;
• results in the murder of two women each week and 30 men per year;
• is the largest cause of morbidity worldwide in women aged 19-44, greater than war, cancer or motor vehicle accidents; and
• will affect one in four women and one in six men in their lifetime.
Ends.
For more press information please contact Terry Sefton on 020 7393 2118.
Notes to editors
1) The Housing Corporation is the Government's national affordable homes agency, responsible for investing in new affordable homes and regulating nearly 2,000 housing associations across England. The Housing Corporation is working with English Partnerships, the Academy of Sustainable Communities and the Department for Communities and Local Government to establish the two new bodies, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and the Tenant Services Authority (TSA), which are due to launch this December.
