Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse includes any form of mental, emotional, physical, cohesive or sexual abuse between people in a close relationship. It may be accompanied by other behaviour, such as intimidation, humiliation, deprivation, systematic criticism and belittling. We do not tolerate domestic abuse against any person, and will support all victims and are committed to preventing domestic abuse and allowing everyone to live free from fear, intimidation and violence.

Contact us if you are experiencing domestic abuse or know someone who is and would like to talk about it in confidence. You should also report it to the Police.

Dealing with domestic abuse is a key priority for Shropshire Landlords. STAR Housing work in partnership with other housing providers in Shropshire.

We believe that none of our residents should live in fear of abuse or violence from a current or former spouse, partner or other member(s) of the household and will take steps to assist and support anyone suffering from or threatened with abuse or violence by: -

• Taking decisive action following multi-agency appraisal and appropriate domestic abuse advice and as agreed by the victim. This could mean an injunction is sort to prevent the perpetrator from entering the property, changing the locks and target hardening the property.
• Ensuring that we are consistent in the way that we deal with each case of domestic abuse.
• Making sure that residents know what action and support they can expect from us
• Ensuring that the Landlords Equality and Diversity strategies and Anti-Discriminatory practices are observed in the operation of this policy.

When dealing with domestic abuse we will: -

• Signpost survivors to agencies that can offer support and specialist advice.
• Enable the survivor to remain in their home safely.
• Offer access to support groups via a referral.
• Treat victims with respect and offer a non-judgmental approach in all cases.
• Our staff will demonstrate respect and treat people with dignity at all times, without judgement, whilst establishing understanding and trust. They will ensure that an individual’s ethnic, cultural, religious, or lifestyle needs are considered when dealing with cases of domestic abuse.
• We will work with other agencies that specialise in the care and support of people suffering from domestic abuse, to ensure that the best possible service is provided for any victims.

Offer additional security measures

Wherever possible, we will endeavour to provide victims with secure accommodation, by providing additional security measures over and above normal home security. Where this is not possible we will provide advice to victims on alternative sources of accommodation.

Re-house when appropriate:

We will take a victim centred approach when dealing with incidents of domestic abuse and accept that on occasion the victim will re-establish a relationship with the perpetrator. This may lead to the perpetrator moving back in with the victim in the new accommodation. In these circumstances we will encourage the tenant to receive ongoing support from agencies so that their safety can be maintained.

The Alleged Perpetrator:

In cases of domestic abuse, where the victim has left the accommodation and subject to his or her wishes, the Landlord will consider taking action to evict the perpetrator of the abuse using its powers under the Housing Act 1996 and the Tenancy Agreement.

Getting Help

If someone is in immediate danger call the police on 999, Alternatively, victims can contact:

The National Domestic Violence Helpline Freephone 24 hour run in partnership by Women's Aid and Refuge on 0808 2000 247

Men’s' Advice Line on 0808 801 0327 (for men who are victims)

Shropshire Domestic Violence Helpline 0800 783 1359