Council’s housing service achieves recognition for work tackling domestic abuse

Cheshire East Council’s housing team has recently received the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) accreditation, meaning they offer a safe and effective response to domestic abuse.

The organisation, DAHA, aims to improve the housing sector’s response to domestic abuse and their accreditation is the only UK benchmark for how housing providers should respond to the issue.  

The council’s housing team met all eight priority areas including survivor support, staff development and awareness raising - demonstrating that the team delivers a safe and effective service to tackle domestic abuse.

One survivor said: “From the start, I felt like we had a protective shield and a reassuring arm around us to guide us through this tragic time.

“Myself and my girls are now starting to settle in our new life with a feeling of how much kindness we have been shown and the knowledge that I can get in touch with any questions I may have in the future. We are not alone.”

Councillor Kathryn Flavell, lead member for children and families at Cheshire East Council, said: “Our aim is to ensure that all Cheshire East residents have a place to live that supports a good quality of life.

“Housing is far more than bricks and mortar – it is about having an inclusive role to play in the health, wellbeing, and most importantly, the safety of our residents.

“Domestic abuse is everyone’s business, and we cannot tackle the issue alone. I am incredibly proud of the team and all our partner organisations, who, after a thorough assessment and inspection process, demonstrated that we deliver safe and effective support for families experiencing domestic abuse.”

Detective Inspector Rob Lees of Cheshire police said: “I’m very proud of the continued work that the housing sector and all partners deliver in this high priority area for Cheshire police. 

“The accreditation is well deserved and demonstrates Cheshire East’s focus on supporting victims of domestic abuse. We will, as agencies, continue to work with a multi-partner approach in our determination to keep all domestic abuse victims safe.”

If you, or someone you know is in a relationship that doesn’t quite feel right, speak to someone about it. You can get help and advice and access self-support services at: 

openthedoorcheshire.org.uk 

...or call:

0300 123 5101

In an emergency, always ring:

999