Domestic Abuse Policy

Domestic Abuse Policy – what is it about?

As an organisation we recognise that domestic abuse presents one of the highest risks to personal safety and is unacceptable. The true scale of the problem is difficult to determine because a large proportion of Domestic Abuse goes unreported.

This policy outlines our approach to tackling Domestic Abuse. We fully recognise the detrimental effect that Domestic Abuse can have on customers, their families, our colleagues and the wider community of Torfaen.

What is the purpose of the policy?

• To give a clear definition of Domestic Abuse.
• To set out how Bron Afon Housing Association supports customers and colleagues who are, or may be, affected by Domestic Abuse to keep them safe and sustain contracts.
• To ensure consistency in service delivery when responding to concerns of Domestic Abuse.
• Reduce the financial impact on Bron Afon Housing from criminal damage to homes, rent arrears, anti-social behaviour and evictions due to Domestic Abuse.

What is Domestic Abuse?

The Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015 defines domestic abuse as:

“Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members (family abuse) regardless of gender or sexuality”.

 Domestic Abuse occurs across society regardless of age, gender ethnicity, sexuality or background and can encompass but not limited to the following:

• Psychological abuse
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Financial abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Harassment
• Stalking
• Coercive control
• Familial abuse (older child to parent and grandchildren to grandparents), also classed as DA, is on the increase.

Further information on the types of Domestic Abuse can be found on the Welsh Governments Website Live Fear Free helpline | GOV.WALES

Who is responsible?

All colleagues are responsible for implementing this Policy and being vigilant in identifying signs of Domestic Abuse.  Concerns should be discussed with your Line Manager and a member of the Safeguarding Team for advice and guidance.

If any colleague has concerns about the safety or well-being of a child and/or adult at risk, they must immediately contact a member of the Safeguarding Team or, if urgent, the Police (999).

Responsibility for the execution of this policy rests with all colleagues, contractors, board members and agency workers working on behalf of Bron Afon.

The Safeguarding Team is responsible for providing advice and support to colleagues and will lead on all matters relating to domestic abuse within the organisation, referring to partners, including statutory services where appropriate.

Email for the Safeguarding Team: Safeguarding@bronafon.org.uk

Customer Hub Tel: 01633 630111

Incidents where an individual may be in immediate danger must be reported to the police. (999)

Our approach

• All domestic abuse cases are managed by our Safeguarding Team. This includes an IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor) qualified colleague who specialises in Domestic Abuse.
• We respond rapidly, effectively, and consistently to all reports of domestic abuse with the aim of improving the safety and welfare of those affected by it.
• We take a multi-agency approach and work in partnership with relevant specialist support services to ensure colleagues have clear referral pathways for individuals suffering from Domestic Abuse when it has been identified or disclosed.

How we handle cases of Domestic Abuse

Bron Afon will investigate all reports of Domestic Abuse and provide a sensitive and appropriate response in line with our safeguarding commitment.

We will:

• Ensure individuals experiencing Domestic Abuse feel supported, are provided with a safe environment to discuss their concerns and agree safe and appropriate channels of communication chosen by them.
• Take a non-judgemental approach accepting the victim’s account. We recognise that evidence of Domestic Abuse from other sources may not be available but understand that it may be required if legal action is to be taken.
• Manage all safeguarding concerns (where it is suspected that a child or adult is experiencing or at risk of abuse, neglect or other type of harm) in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy and follow the “All Wales Safeguarding Procedures”.
• Store records of incidents and actions completed securely within our system software.
• Assist where possible to make the home more secure, assessing additional safety measures in partnership with the Police and other specialist agencies.
• Support victims to report incidents to the Police.
• Offer advice and guidance around rehousing options to prevent homelessness, such as direct match, reciprocal arrangements and priority banding on the local housing register depending on circumstance. This could also include presenting to other local authorities.

What we will do as an organisation

• Provide colleagues with relevant training. “Ask and Act” training implemented Course: Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (nhs.wales)
• Ensure all colleagues are aware of the obligation to report any safeguarding concern to the relevant person(s).
• Recognise the need for wider and more urgent reporting where children are party to, present for or potentially at immediate significant risk from Domestic Abuse in the home.
• Ensure colleagues have access to our workplace policy.
• Develop and maintain strong and positive partnership relationships with relevant professional services.
• Refer to the code of conduct where necessary to manage workplace perpetrator behaviour appropriately and proportionately.
• Review applicants’ information at pre-tenancy and sign up. Where applicants are identified as victims of Domestic Abuse, make safe contact and consider relevant safety measures, offering appropriate advice and support.
• Raise awareness of Domestic Abuse via the intranet (Buzz) and through the website, promoting national and domestic abuse support services.
• Share information and training opportunities with colleagues provided by Gwent Safeguarding Welcome to the Gwent Safeguarding website – Gwent Safeguarding in order to improve their understanding of Domestic Abuse and how to spot the signs.

Equality and Diversity

Bron Afon is committed to equal opportunities and this Policy will be operated fairly and equally. Bron Afon will not discriminate, harass, or victimise any customer, witness, or complainant. This policy has been subject to an Equalities Impact Assessment and is applicable to all individuals with full regard given to all protected characteristics as outlined by the Equality Act 2010.

Data Protection and Confidentiality

Bron Afon operates a specific Data Protection Policy which governs how the organisation will manage the collection, retention, processing, management, and disposal of individuals personal data. Please refer to our Data Protection Policy for further information. Any disclosure of information will be made in compliance with the provisions of the Data Provision Act 1998 and ASB, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Exceptions can and will be made where a person’s vital interests necessitate and in instances where we consider there is a safeguarding issue.