Domestic abuse can happen to men and women. It is controlling, coercive, threatening, violent or abusive behaviour from a family member, partner, or ex-partner, over the age of 16.
Domestic violence and abuse can be psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional and can include, harassment, stalking, female genital mutilation, trafficking, forced marriage and honour-based abuse.
If you are a victim of domestic violence and abuse, remember you are not alone.
At Trivallis, we are working towards achieving the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance Accreditation (DAHA) to show our commitment to end domestic abuse for customers and staff.
Lianne Bulford, Neighbourhood Tenancy Service Manager is a Domestic Abuse champion at Trivallis and is the Project Lead for the DAHA group. She said: “When I began leading on DAHA I was working as a Community Safety Officer and working with domestic abuse victims, daily. I started learning more about the impacts of domestic abuse and the barriers around victims’ housing situations and the choices they made due to their circumstances.
“I’ve learnt the importance of supporting our customers to make informed choices to better their opportunities and outcomes. Through partnership working with the Local Authority and partner agencies, we can provide effective interventions and responses to domestic abuse.”
The ultimate goal is that if a victim needed help, they could reach out to a member of staff and they would automatically be supported and signposted to specialised services for the right help.
Lianne explained: “The DAHA accreditation has changed the way we respond to domestic abuse in Trivallis. We now have a new domestic abuse policy and procedure for our tenants and staff that is being launched and training that is being delivered to all staff. There are dedicated areas on our website and intranet with help and support around domestic abuse, too.
“We also have a standalone case management system where we can support victims and have a clear focus of their situation. Since March 2020, we have recorded 319 cases and have attempted to support all of these victims in their homes.”
In 2019, Trivallis signed up and pledged “make a stand – our homes, our people, our problem”. The ‘Make a Stand’ pledge has been developed by the Chartered Institute of Housing in partnership with Women’s Aid and the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA). It was created to encourage housing organisations to make a commitment to support people experiencing domestic abuse.
Lianne continued: “We’ve been planning on becoming DAHA accredited for some time but have been met with some barriers and the impacts of COVID-19. We’re back on track with staff members from across the business in our steer group who are working together to make the changes and provide an effective response to domestic abuse.”
If you’re a victim of domestic abuse or violence, there’s support available.
If you are in immediate danger call 999 for help. Here are some organisations that can help and support you:
National Domestic Violence Helpline: If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, call 0808 2000 247 for free, confidential help, available 24/7.
The OASIS Centre: A non-gendered specific service in Pontypridd that provides support, advice, advocacy, and safety, surrounding domestic abuse. Call 01443 494190.
Rise: A 24/7 crisis helpline available for domestic abuse and violence victims based in Cardiff, call 02920 460 566.
Respect: Help for domestic violence perpetrators, male victims and young people’s violence in close relationships. Call 0808 802 4040 if you’re concerned about your behaviour or call 0808 801 0327 if you’re a man experiencing domestic abuse.
For more support and information, visit our dedicated domestic abuse support page.