Case Study: Domestic Abuse Support

The prospective tenant felt trapped and wanted to move, but was worried because a perpetrator was controlling them. Jack, our Neighbourhood Officer, felt there was a strong level of trust between them after having completed a viewing earlier in the year.

While the resident hadn't felt ready to share their situation during that first visit, only mentioning that their mother had recently passed away, that earlier connection made them feel safe enough to open up during this viewing.

What action did we take: 

• Jack offered them to come into the offices to complete a risk assessment and meet with our sustainment team due to utility arrears and financial abuse.
• Customer met with our Safeguarding team who provided support in relation to Domestic Abuse, LGBTQ+ support. 
• Invited current housing officer into the meeting to provide further support/Landlord reference etc.
• Signed up for the property 3 days after viewing.
• Perpetrator was arrested and bailed away from the address. Our safeguarding team emailed the Police to support this.
• Tenancy Sustainment team provided support with change of utilities and council tax. 

What difference did it make

We supported with a safe move away from the perpetrator, we invited the customer into the office so that it was a safe space and provided as much support as possible.

Customer could not put into words his gratitude for our support with him and ‘doesn’t feel like anything that has happened is real’.

"The work that has gone into helping me to start to rebuild my life and to be safe is astounding especially because I’ve been trapped for so long not knowing a way out or what to do, thank you so much for all that you have done and are doing to help me to not be abused" - quote from the customer.