The country’s leading specialist domestic abuse partnership has recognised Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council for the high standard of support it offers those suffering domestic abuse.

The Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance brings together Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse and housing providers. Its accreditation scheme sets out the UK benchmark for how housing providers and partners should respond to victims of domestic abuse, which is coercive behaviour including physical, emotional, verbal, psychological, financial or sexual abuse.

Following a rigorous assessment process, the borough council has been accredited by the alliance in recognition of its commitment and action to provide safe accommodation and support for victims of domestic abuse. Basingstoke and Deane is only the fifth borough or district council in England without directly owned social housing stock to be awarded the accreditation.

As part of action to achieve Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance accreditation, the council has carried out a significant amount of work to understand and better meet the needs of anyone affected by domestic abuse. This includes training for staff to ensure they have the skills and support to help victims when they contact the council and the creation of a dedicated domestic abuse forum to bring together organisations with a shared ambition to tackle domestic abuse.

Targeted support for victims has also been introduced through a dedicated outreach service where specialist officers provide therapeutic, practical and emotional trauma-centred support, alongside housing advice, within 24 hours of a victim or survivor approaching the council for assistance after experiencing domestic abuse.

To ensure the council’s targeted approach continues to be shaped by what victims and survivors need and to support work to maintain accreditation, two new specialist roles have been created to provide additional help and advice for residents.

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing Cllr Laura James said: “We want our borough to be a safer place for victims and survivors of domestic abuse. This accreditation is the result of the dedication and hard work of our team and reflects the life-saving role they play, together with our partners, to protect our residents from domestic abuse.

“We are determined to tackle domestic abuse and I want to thank everyone who has been involved in making sure our residents have as many opportunities as possible to get the help they need so they no longer suffer in silence.

“Victims and survivors of domestic abuse are often isolated and don’t know where to turn to for help. We are here all year round ready to provide the help they need to rebuild their lives with a safe place to call home.”

Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance Regional Lead Liberty Spencer said: “We are incredibly pleased and honoured to award Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council DAHA Accreditation. Everyone involved should feel truly proud of this remarkable achievement. We recognise the dedication, commitment, and hard work required to adopt and embed high standards of good practice, and the success here is deeply well-deserved.

"We were especially impressed by the commitment to providing a tailored, trauma-informed response, and the way in which the organisation has consistently centred the voices of survivors in its approach. By undertaking this vital work, we are confident that the lives of victims and survivors will be safer. Basingstoke and Deane is a shining example of good practice in the national response to domestic abuse, and a beacon for others to follow.”

For residents experiencing domestic abuse, or wanting to know the signs of abuse, lots of information is available on the council website at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/domestic-abuse