East Cambridgeshire Council accredited for domestic abuse work
The accreditation looked into eight priority areas
A council in Cambridgeshire's been commended for it's work to help victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC) has received accreditation from the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA), making them the first non-stock housing authority to receive it in Cambridgeshire, and the third in the country.
DAHA is the benchmark in the UK for how housing providers should deliver safe and effective responses and support, looking at eight priority areas to fulfil these needs.
Early Detection success
The Alliance were said to have been impressed by the "empathic, non-judgmental and respectful way that the council respond to those experiencing domestic abuse and their families, both within their own staff and those who approach the council seeking support and advice".
They also noted how the council enhanced survivors' safety, partly due to early detection and intervention.
Sharon Crosby, Senior Regional Lead for DAHA in East Anglia, said: “We are thrilled the council has achieved Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance accreditation which assesses the response that they give to victims/survivors of domestic abuse and their families.
“We were impressed with how survivors’ safety is enhanced, partly due to early detection and interventions initiated by housing and associated staff who are trained to provide a trauma informed approach. They provide a safe room to facilitate discreet disclosures of domestic abuse if people walk in or want in-person appointments, although will work with whatever form of communication works best for the survivor.
“It was clear from the assessment that the staff’s dedication, led by the passionate DAHA lead, goes beyond the statutory requirements of assisting with the prevention of homelessness and providing relief and advice, to offering practical support tailored to the individual needs of those they work with, all the while working closely with other agencies to ensure a co-ordinated community response.
“The council is also invested in educating their staff and communities by raising awareness of coercive control in their publicity and campaigns and are aware of and seek to remove, barriers to support.”
Ask for Ani
ECDC also launched a scheme for it's residents, called Ask for Ani, which stands for Assistance Needed Immediately, during the Euros football tournament last summer to support victims/survivors experiencing domestic abuse.
Cllr Anna Bailey, Leader of the council, adds: “The accreditation recognises the work our teams do to support all residents. There is no place for domestic abuse in East Cambs and we are here to provide support for residents at every step of the journey away from domestic abuse.
“We would encourage anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse to reach out to the council, we will work with you to find the best solution.”