New guidance for housing associations aimed at providing services to victims of domestic violence was 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:
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.
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:
Information and advice on housing, health and handyperson schemes in an area can be vital in supporting older people to live an independent life for longer, according to a new report published by Foundations, the National Body for Home Improvements Agencies.
The Future Home Improvement Agency report overview looks at the needs of an increasing ageing population, drawing on experience and expertise of over twenty years in the field to highlight the best work of Home Improvement Agencies (HIAs), while setting out a vision for how the role of HIAs can develop to meet future, more complex needs as the population ages and more older people choose to live at home.
Home Improvement Agencies are local organisations around the country that help vulnerable homeowners and tenants to maintain and adapt their homes.
The report overview builds on the work of HIAs and finds ways for them to develop their services to better meet their clients' needs.
The report:
Director of Foundations, Tony Molloy, said:
"The type of support that people need varies. Some may only need the name of a reliable local builder, others may need help applying for benefits, or with a major adaptation to their home. HIAs need to work with other local services and be open to all enquiries to make sure that all people can access quick, simple advice about their homes.
"Our responsive, flexible and popular Handyperson services are already offered by 80% of Home Improvement Agencies. Despite limited resources, large numbers of people are already being helped, but additional funding will really enhance the ability of HIAs to deliver low-level housing interventions. With the Government providing £33 million extra funding, this is the time to build the capacity of these services across England, and to make sure that all of them are delivered to the best standard.
"Timely adaptations in the home can prevent many problems for elderly and disabled people, such as falls in and around the home; or by allowing a person in hospital to be discharged into a safer environment more quickly. These adaptations can provide dramatic savings when compared to health and care costs, as well as preventing a lot of worry and heartache for vulnerable people, their friends and relatives.
"GPs, district nurses, other health workers and Home Improvement Agencies should work together to make sure that vulnerable people have their housing needs addressed before a crisis occurs that would require more costly interventions.
"This report shows that Home Improvement Agencies have a real future in delivering vital services to our ageing society. There are many opportunities for local HIAs to grasp in providing more and better services to vulnerable people in their own communities. But there are also vulnerabilities in the sector, with many HIAs lacking secure long-term funding. We must ensure that HIAs take the best of what they already do and develop it into services that are able to deliver to an increasing number of older and vulnerable people."
