Torus signs up with Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA)
20 January 2022
This month, following a delay to the impact of the pandemic, Torus resumes its journey to achieve Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) accreditation, with the purpose or strengthening the group’s response to domestic abuse across the organisation.
Like many organisations, Torus experienced an increase in reports of domestic abuse and violence caused by the lockdown, isolation during the Covid crisis. Throughout the pandemic, we have been committed to ensuring that our customers feel supported, that people in our communities know they are not alone and that they needn’t suffer in silence. Help is available and we show victims how to access it.
By signing up with DAHA we aim to improve our response to domestic abuse through the introduction and adoption of an established set of standards and an accreditation process.
The DAHA was launched in 2014, establishing the first accreditation for housing providers. It aims to embed the best practice learned and implemented by its 3 founding partners, Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse, Peabody and Gentoo. These organisations have worked innovatively and effectively to address domestic abuse within the housing sector and we’re proud to stand alongside them.
DAHA has worked closely with the Home Office and Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government and continue to shape policies and strategies that change the housing sector’s response to domestic abuse. The eight main priority areas for accreditation are:
- Policies and Procedures
- Staff Development and Support
- Partners and Collaboration
- Safety Led Case Management
- Victim/Survivor Led Support
- Intersectional & Anti-Racist Practice
- Perpetrator Accountability
- Publicity & Awareness Training
Accreditation means that Torus will offer a non-judgemental, safe environment where survivors feel listened to, and treated as individuals. We’ll also work hard to ensure that the voices of survivors are shared and listened to, so that their stories offer hope and help to others.
Charlotte Stenhouse, Operations Manager Supported Housing and Domestic Abuse – Torus Support Network, said:
“I am delighted that Torus has taken the positive step to register with DAHA to improve the organisation’s response to domestic abuse. By embracing the eight key priority areas, we can focus on what we need to do to improve our response and service to our customers, staff and communities.
“We understand that housing is the primary barrier for people attempting to leave an abusive situation and is one of the highest causes of homelessness for women, therefore our staff are ideally placed to spot and respond to domestic abuse as a first point of contact.
“To ensure a clear and consistent approach to responding to domestic abuse across for all our customers, we have also set up a Domestic Abuse Steering Group. A member of staff will take the lead on each priority area, so we can improve outcomes for any resident experiencing domestic abuse. We will prioritise support to ensure that tenants feel safe in their home or are moved to safe and stable housing where they can live and overcome the abuse together with its harmful impacts.”
Torus has considerable experience in supporting the victims of domestic abuse so if you or someone you know is affected by abuse, don’t suffer in silence. An experienced and specialist team is available to help.
