Homes in Sedgemoor backs campaign against domestic abuse

Homes in Sedgemoor (HiS) is committed to backing the NO MORE campaign, dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault by increasing awareness, inspiring action, and fuelling culture change. 

The campaign is running throughout this week and HiS is joining the nation in raising awareness of this important issue.

We have zero tolerance for domestic abuse in our properties and communities. And we actively support people who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse.

CASE STUDY:

One female customer was identified by our lettings coordinator as someone who was fleeing domestic abuse with her two children.
She already had a joint tenancy with her abusive partner with another housing association, and this was reported to our Lettings and Neighbourhood Team Leaders.

A meeting was scheduled for the Lettings Coordinator and Neighbourhood Officer to carry out a viewing of one of our properties.
Together with Sedgemoor District Council, and the other housing association, we worked to remove her name from the previous tenancy and rehoused her with HiS.

Our customer had support from her sister, but she lacked support from professional agencies and did not have many possessions to move into her new home with. 

We agreed to provide essential items for her new home, including carpet for the three bedrooms and living room, and a cooker and fridge freezer. 

Thanks to cross-agency working, our Neighbourhood Officer was able to make a referral to Somerset Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (SIDAS) to get our customer the relevant professional support. 

Discretion was used throughout the process, ensuring the customer’s partner didn’t find out about the change of housing, and our Neighbourhood Officer arranged for a ring doorbell and security light to be installed at the address. We also installed a small amount of fencing at the side of the property for additional security.

Our customer – a vulnerable survivor of domestic abuse now has a fresh start, and an opportunity to be able to move forward with her life with her children.

If you would like to talk to a Homes in Sedgemoor colleague about domestic abuse, please contact our Neighbourhoods Team at 0800 585 360.

Alternatively, you can contact other organisations that specialise in domestic abuse and sexual assault advice and guidance. 

Somerset Integrated Domestic Abuse Service:
0800 6949 999

youfirstsidas@theyoutrust.org.uk

Men’s Advice Line and Enquiries:
0808 801 0327

Galop & The National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline:
0800 999 5428

The Hideout:
Women’s Aid has created this space to help children and young people to understand domestic abuse, and how to take positive action if it’s happening to them.

Avon and Somerset Police:
999 or 101 or your nearest Police station.