Domestic abuse
Reporting domestic abuse
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, then please call the police on 999 or for non-emergencies 101. If you are unable to speak, press 55 at any time and you’ll automatically be transferred to the police.
You can also get advice and support by calling us on 01332 888 777.
We will always take your report seriously, thoroughly investigate it and treat it sensitively throughout. We will interview you somewhere safe within one working day of you reporting something to us.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse can be perpetrated by a partner, an ex-partner, someone acting on behalf of an ex-partner, or a family member of the victim - for example, if an elderly person is being abused. It can also include abuse from children towards parents.
The Home Office defines domestic abuse as:
Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse:
• psychological
• physical
• sexual
• financial
• emotional
Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.
Coercive behaviour is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.
How we respond to domestic abuse
Derby Homes takes claims of domestic abuse very seriously and will always take appropriate action. We will handle any disclosures in a way that is non-judgemental and does not place the victim or survivor at greater risk.
When we receive a report of domestic abuse we will:
- Take the report seriously and respect the confidentiality of the person who reported it.
Speak with people in a private and safe environment of their choice and via an agreed safe contact method. - Listen and empower victims and survivors to make their own decisions, whilst focussing on their personal safety and the safety of their children.
- Ensure they have the option to receive assistance, where possible, from a member of staff of a specific gender or the same ethnic origin and provide an independent signer or interpreter to be present at appointments if required.
- Ensure they have access to a specialist staff who are experienced in working with victims and survivors of Domestic Abuse.
- Agree an action plan to meet the needs of victims or survivors which will be reviewed with them at regular intervals.
- Signpost them to an appropriate specialist Domestic Abuse support service if this is required.
- With their permission , we might also work with partner organisations such as Derbyshire Constabulary to take further action.
- In some cases, we might help to improve security at home if they wish to remain in their property or provide support with moving home.
DAHA Accreditation
The Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance’s (DAHA) mission is to improve the housing sector’s response to domestic abuse through the introduction and adoption of an established set of standards and an accreditation process.
Derby Homes has been recognised by DAHA with a national accreditation for our safe and effective response to domestic abuse.
What does this mean for customers?
The accreditation shows our continued commitment to residents facing domestic abuse. Awareness of domestic abuse is embedded across all areas of the organisation, thanks to regular training and messaging.
We identify instances of abuse, take action to prevent it, and give support to survivors. We are the first Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance accredited provider in the county.
Keeping our residents safe, giving them confidence to find support and feeling safe is a priority. We recognise that domestic abuse devastates lives, and we are working to put a stop to it amongst residents and employees.
Our work does not stop with this accreditation. We constantly review our practices and work with partner organisations to facilitate our own learning to continually improve the work we do.
Support from other organisations
You can find further information and support through the following partners:
GOV.UK
You can find help and support for domestic abuse on GOV.UK along with translated information and guidance in British Sign Language and easy read formats.
Derbyshire Constabulary
You can find advice and support on reporting domestic abuse as well as guidance about further action you can take.
Refuge
Refuge is a national charity which supports women, men and children experiencing domestic violence with a range of services.
Respect : Men’s Advice Line
Respect work to stop perpetrators of domestic abuse. They run the Men’s Advice Line supporting male victims of domestic abuse and work with perpetrators and young people who use violence and abuse.
Galop
Galop work with and for LGBT+ victims and survivors of abuse and violence. Their helpline is available for anyone in the UK who is LGBT+ and has experienced domestic abuse or hate crime.
Women's Aid
Women’s Aid provide information and support for people needing help, survivors of domestic abuse and professionals. Women's Aid is also working to raise awareness in education, training and through campaigns.
Derby Women’s Centre
They offer support and guidance, signposting, counselling, legal advice and social activities and courses.
Women’s Work
Women’s Work is a local charity who offer support to the most vulnerable women and families by providing them with essential skills and the confidence to truly flourish in life.