Consultation underway on new domestic abuse policy

Tuesday, 6 June 2023 12:11

By Lee Everest @laeverest

Homes First is consulting on an ‘important and significant’ new domestic abuse policy.

Homes First is consulting on an ‘important and significant’ new domestic abuse policy.

This policy has been developed after consultation with residents and outlines the approach taken by Homes First to assist and support Homes First tenants who are experiencing, or threatened with, violence or abuse.

Homes First delivers housing management services, property and homelessness services on behalf of Lewes District Council.

As a social housing provider, Homes First has a zero-tolerance policy to all forms of violence and abuse and recognises its key role in helping to reduce incidents of domestic abuse and supporting victims and survivors.

Councillor Mark Slater, Cabinet Member for Tenants at Lewes District Council, said: “I’m delighted to see this important and significant policy progress and hope as many people as possible engage with it and share their thoughts with us over the coming weeks.

“The policy is also an integral part of our work to achieve DAHA (Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance) accreditation, which includes training for staff who will become Domestic Abuse Champions within the organisation."

The policy applies to all tenants and leaseholders and people living with council tenants and leaseholders. It also applies to customers accessing housing via the housing waiting list and customers accessing support from the council’s housing needs team.

Homes First wants to hear from residents, tenants, leaseholders and working partners.

Feedback can be shared via an online survey:
www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/DAPolicy

The consultation deadline is July 3.