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Trivallis has become the first housing association in Wales to achieve the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) Accreditation, which has strengthened policies and procedures in dealing with domestic abuse.
The Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance’s 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.
The accreditation provides a benchmark for how housing associations should respond to domestic abuse among both tenants and staff, and has helped create processes to support individuals in ending domestic abuse.
In 2019, Trivallis signed up to a pledge developed by the Chartered Institute of Housing, in partnership with Women’s Aid and DAHA, to make a commitment to support people experiencing domestic abuse. In doing so, Trivallis took a stand to ensure the delivery of safe and effective responses to domestic abuse.
Led by Lianne Bulford, Neighbourhoods Services Manager, a dedicated group of staff worked tirelessly to generate new policies and procedures for tenants and staff. A case management system to support victims of domestic abuse was also created, and staff education was rolled out to allow employees to help tenants make informed choices around safe social housing.
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone and includes anything within the family environment, it is not simply between two people in a relationship. Educating staff was a key part of the DAHA Accreditation, to ensure that those dealing with tenants were aware of the signs to look out for.
249 cases of domestic abuse were reported to Trivallis in 2021/2022, compared to 182 in 2020/2021. However, this does not necessarily indicate that there has been an increase in incidents, but possibly that staff are more vigilant at spotting and reporting the signs of domestic abuse.
Lianne Bulford is committed to the safety of Trivallis tenants and staff, explaining that: “Everybody should be entitled to be safe and have a place to call home. We will support tenants or staff identified as experiencing domestic abuse to reach out for help to stop the abuse and signpost them to specialist agencies for further support.”
Trivallis is dedicated to supporting all customers and employees, regardless of age, race, gender or sexuality who may be experiencing domestic abuse. We will provide information on the specialist help that is available within and outside the organisation and will work with relevant agencies to provide improved security to a resident’s home, where required.
No one should have to experience domestic abuse, and Trivallis is invested in turning victims into survivors.
Trivallis will seek to ensure that services are able to meet individuals’ needs with a consistent approach in line with good practice and relevant legislation. We will provide a sensitive and confidential response to anyone approaching us for assistance in cases of domestic abuse. We will empower survivors to make informed decisions around their life and their housing options to live in a safe environment.
Trivallis works closely with South Wales Police, The Pontypridd Safety Unit, and Safer Merthyr Tydfil, who all help to keep tenants safe. Without their support, the Accreditation would not have been achieved, and tenants and staff would not have the assistance they do now; their involvement is greatly appreciated.
If you, or someone you know is a Trivallis tenant and experiencing domestic abuse, please reach out to Trivallis and ask for help. You can do this by calling 03000 030 888 or emailing customerservices@trivallis.co.uk – contact us in any way that you feel safe. You will be supported discreetly by trained members of staff, who will signpost you to the relevant services. These include:
Pontypridd Safety Unit: provide support, advice, advocacy, and safety, surrounding domestic abuse. Call 01443 494190/01443 494192 or visit Pontypridd (famouspeoplerct.co.uk) for advice and support.
National Domestic Violence Helpline: If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, call 0808 2000 247 for free, confidential help, available 24/7.
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.
Galop a helpline is for LGBT+ people who have or are experiencing domestic abuse. They are also there for people supporting a survivor of domestic abuse; friends, families and those working with a survivor.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.