Housing staff recognise the importance of the Whole Housing Approach (WHA) and to ensuring access to a range of housing options and initiatives which give choice to people experiencing domestic abuse in relation to relocation or remaining in their existing accommodation. Housing advice staff receive domestic abuse awareness training and are also trained in completing Domestic Abuse Stalking and Harassment, (DASH) risk assessments.
Staff will interview victims and alleged perpetrators separately. Staff will offer advice and support to assist those experiencing domestic abuse to reduce risk and remain safe. This may include:
- installation of additional security measures
- use of emergency accommodation or refuge or
- support to access other services to support the wellbeing and welfare needs of the household occupants.
If people experiencing domestic abuse wish to move within Norwich, the usual home options and allocations processes apply and applicants will be banded according to need. Please note that if victims are deemed to be ‘suitably housed’ in home options policy terms, they are likely to be on standard band and a move may take some time to achieve.
If the location of the property is the issue and the risks cannot be reduced, a move to a different area may be appropriate. In this situation, victims would be assessed in accordance with home options policy and assisted to expedite a move as quickly as possible. In such circumstances the client would receive only one property offer in an area in which they are assessed as being safe from risk.
Norwich is a relatively small city and if it is assessed that the victim is unsafe in Norwich they would be referred to make a homelessness application to another local authority area.
The housing options team hold a Safe at Home budget, which may be available to provide additional home security to those wishing to remain in their own home. In addition, other financial support (such as access to Rent Deposit and Spend to Save schemes) may be available to people wishing to relocate.
We do not generally encourage victims of domestic abuse to carry out a mutual exchange. Our priority is ensuring people access a safe and secure environment and we do not consider that mutual exchanges usually fulfil these criteria. However, each case will be assessed on an individual basis, including consideration of the risks. Where appropriate, specialist advice, for example from the Independent Domestic Violence Advisory (IDVA), Service will be sought.
