Domestic abuse

Reporting domestic abuse

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, then please call the police on 999 or for non-emergencies 101.

You can also get advice and support by calling our Customer Service Team by calling 01332 888 777.

We will always take your complaint seriously, thoroughly investigate it and treat it sensitively throughout.

We will interview you somewhere safe within one working day of you reporting something to us.

What is domestic abuse? 

The Home Office defines domestic abuse as:

Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.

Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to, psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse.

Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.

Coercive behaviour is an act or pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that's used to harm, punish or frighten the victim. This definition includes so-called honour-based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage. Victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group.

Domestic abuse can be perpetrated by a partner, an ex-partner, someone acting on behalf of an ex-partner, or a family member of the victim - for example, if an elderly person is being abused. It can also include abuse from children towards parents.

We encourage you to report incidents that you either experience or witness.

Our approach - supporting victims

Derby Homes doesn’t tolerate domestic abuse in any form.

We will always take appropriate action.

All of our staff are made aware through our stand-alone domestic abuse policy.

Domestic abuse is a serious social and criminal problem that has significant human and financial consequences for individuals, families and communities.

With your permission we may also:    

• identify your support needs and how these might be met, which may involve support from a person of the same sex, or referring you to a specialist agency such as Women’s Aid or Men’s Advice Line 
• work with Derbyshire Constabulary’s domestic abuse support team
• discuss with you the possibility of taking action against the offender

DAHA accreditation and our policies

The Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance’s (DAHA) mission is to improve the housing sector’s response to domestic abuse through the introduction and adoption of an established set of standards and an accreditation process.

Derby Homes is currently seeking (DAHA) accreditation on the work we do with supporting customers and staff who are victims of domestic abuse.

To do this we have now separated the domestic abuse policy into two separate policies - one for customers and one for staff.

Policies and documents

• Customer Domestic Abuse Policy
• Employee & Workplace Domestic Abuse policy

Partnership working

Partnership working is vital for local authorities and housing providers to effectively respond to tenants/residents and staff experiencing domestic abuse.

You can find information and support through the following partners: 

Core
The role of Core is to provide both the public and victims of crime with easily accessible information, advice and links to local and national support services.
Visit the website Core - Domestic abuse.

Derby City Life Links
A signposting page for domestic violence and crime services for victims and perpetrators.
Visit the website Derby City Life Links

Derby Women’s Centre
Their mission is to empower women to lead more independent lives. They aim to reduce economic inequality, improve mental well being and facilitate personal development. To do this, they offer support and guidance, signposting, counselling, legal advice and social activities and courses.
Visit the website Derby Women's Centre

Refuge
Refuge supports women, children and men experiencing domestic violence with a range of services.
For support, call their Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit the Refuge website

Women’s Work
Women’s work offer support to the most vulnerable women and families by providing them with essential skills and the confidence to truly flourish in life. For free, confidential support 01332 242525.
Visit the website Women's Work

NHS
Getting help and support for domestic violence. You do not have to wait for an emergency situation to find help. If domestic abuse is happening to you, it's important to tell someone and remember you're not alone.
For advice visit the NHS website

Women's Aid
Women’s Aid provide information and support for people needing help, survivors of domestic abuse and professionals. Women's Aid is also working to raise awareness in education, training and through campaigns. 
For more information visit the website Women's Aid