Proposed law on domestic abuse in social housing | Tenant news

The proposed Social Housing Bill – which is currently being discussed in the House of Lords - will provide new legal grounds to remove abusers from joint social housing tenancies, allowing those who have faced the abuse to remain securely in their home.

Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Dame Nicole Jacobs, said recently: “Time and again, I hear from survivors who want to remain in their social home but are forced to endure further abuse, financial difficulty or homelessness because they are trapped in a shared tenancy with their abuser.

“The proposed Bill on social housing has the ability to ensure perpetrators can no longer weaponise properties against their victim. The government must move quickly to bring in this legislation, so survivors and their children can get the safety and stability they need to recover and rebuild.”

Know the signs

Domestic abuse is a pattern of controlling, threatening, or coercive behaviour between family members or intimate partners.

It can take many forms, including emotional, psychological, financial, sexual, and physical abuse, and the signs are not always easy to recognise.

Someone experiencing abuse may seem withdrawn, anxious, or fearful of a partner or family member. They may have limited access to money, be isolated from friends and family, or feel pressured to account for their whereabouts.

Recognising these signs can be an important first step towards getting help and support, whether its something you’re experiencing yourself or someone else you know. Taking the first step to  talking to someone about it can feel difficult, but support is available.

How Habinteg will help

If you get in touch with us to talk about abuse you’re experiencing, we’ll listen without judgement and help you understand the options available to you. We can connect you with specialist services and discuss practical ways to help keep you safe.

You don’t need to have all the answers or know what to do next. We’ll work with you to make sure you get the support that’s right for your circumstances.

Donna Holmes, Habinteg's Head of Housing said: "Any tenant experiencing domestic abuse can approach their Neighbourhood Team or call our Customer Services Team for a confidential chat.

"We won’t tolerate abuse and have policies and procedures in place to deal with abusers and support our tenants. If you need support with additional safety and security measures at your home, speak to us.

“Also let us know if you're on your own and feel uncomfortable allowing repairs contractors into your home, we'll ensure a member of the Neighbourhood Team accompanies them."

Report abuse

If you're in immediate danger, or you're worried that someone you know is, call 999.

To report abuse to Habinteg, speak to your Neighbourhood Team or contact our Customer Services Team, Habinteg Direct, on 0300 365 3100 or email direct@habinteg.org.uk .

Every local authority has a safeguarding lead, so you can also raise concerns about abuse directly with your local council.

Call the council's main number and ask to speak to the safeguarding lead, or search for "safeguarding" on their website. Visit www.gov.uk/find-local-council to find your local council’s website.

You can also contact the following support services:

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline : 0808 2000 247 or www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
• Victim Support:  0808 1689 111 or www.victimsupport.org.uk
• Men's Advice Line: Available for male victims, call 0808 8010 327 or visit www.mensadviceline.org.uk 
• SafeLives: 0117 403 3220 or www.safelives.org.uk
• Women’s Aid : womensaid.org.uk .
  
  

For more information, including our Domestic Abuse Policy and links to other organisations that can help, visit www.habinteg.org.uk/domestic-abuse .

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