Safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults

We all have a duty to safeguard people from harm. Derby Homes takes this very seriously and all of our staff are trained to identify and report safeguarding concerns. You can also play an important role in this process. 

It is not the role of Derby Homes to decide whether a child or vulnerable adult has been abused. This is the task of statutory agencies that have the legal responsibility. It is, however, everybody’s responsibility to ensure concerns are shared and appropriate action taken.

How to report a safeguarding concern (adults)

If you think someone is:

• being attacked verbally, physically or both
• being sexually abused
• being neglected – lack of food, warmth, clothing
• being taken advantage of – e.g. having money taken from them
• being targeted by the community
• unable to protect themselves from harm
• lacking awareness of their own personal safety
• a victim of domestic violence/abuse
• being bullied

You should report the issue centrally using the Report a Safeguarding Concern form on Derby City Council's website. You'll also find information and advice along with other ways to tell someone including out-of-hours phone numbers. You can also raise your concerns with our staff.

Report a safeguarding concern

Worried about a child?

If you think a child may be at risk or just feel that something isn't right, you can contact Derby City Council's Children's Social Care and the First Contact Team.

Domestic Abuse

Derby Homes has signed the Chartered Institute of Housing’s "Make a Stand" pledge and has committed to take action to support people experiencing domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Domestic abuse often has consequences for the housing situation of those affected and victims may turn to their landlords for help.

If you're a victim and or survivor of domestic abuse you can expect:

• To speak to a member of Derby Homes' staff in a private and safe environment.
• A signer or interpreter to be present, if appropriate.
• Support from a staff member of the same sex or ethnic origin if required.
• Support from a Derby Homes’ Complex Needs Officer (Domestic Abuse), if appropriate.
• To be listened to and allowed to make your own decisions.
• Signposting to an appropriate Domestic Abuse support service, if this is required.
• Help to improve security at home or assistance with moving.

It is explicit in the conditions of tenancy that domestic abuse will not be tolerated: ‘You or anyone living with you at/or visiting your
home, must not inflict violence or threaten violence against, any other person, either living with you or in another Council home. You must not harass or use physical, mental, emotional or sexual abuse against anyone residing in, visiting or otherwise engaged in lawful activity within the locality.’

Domestic abuse support services (national and local)

National Domestic Violence Helpline

The National Domestic Violence Helpline is a free, confidential helpline run by Refuge for anyone experiencing domestic abuse and it is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

0808 2000 247

nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk

Women's Aid

Women’s Aid provide a range of information and support on domestic abuse, including support for people experiencing domestic
abuse and people who are concerned that others may be. The organisation has sister federations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Their website and 24/7 helpline for England is:

0808 2000 247

womensaid.org.uk

Women's Aid Local Service Directory

Respect

Respect is the UK membership organisation for work with domestic violence perpetrators, male victims of domestic
violence and young people’s violence in close relationships.

Helpline for people concerned about their behaviour - 0808 802 4040
Helpline for men experiencing domestic abuse – 0808 801 0327

respect.uk.net