East Cambridgeshire District Council is leading the way when it comes to supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

The council has received accreditation from the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) – which is the benchmark in the UK for how housing providers should respond to domestic abuse to deliver safe and effective responses and support.

The council is only the third non-stock holding housing authority in the country to receive the accreditation, and the first non-stock housing authority to receive it in Cambridgeshire. 

Sarah Burton, Housing Options Team Leader and DAHA lead, explains: “The accreditation recognises the work our team does in supporting domestic abuse victims and survivors. It involved looking at 8 priority areas of the council’s operations to deliver safe and effective interventions.

“Every person who works at the council, from reception staff and waste collectors through to office staff and our parks and open spaces team, has received domestic abuse training, so we are prepared and able to support someone when they feel able to approach us. 

“This reinforces our Ask for Ani initiative, where a resident can approach anyone who works at the council and ask for help.”

The council recently completed the rigorous accreditation process including demonstrating both the support provided to residents and internal training undertaken, to work to an established set of standards, including awareness raising, staff development, survivor-led support and perpetrator accountability.

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. 

“The panel were impressed with 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. 

“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.”

The council launched the Ask for Ani initiative, 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.”

The council offices are open Monday to Thursday, 8.45am to 5pm and Fridays 8.45am to 4.30pm. You can also call 01353 665555.

More information on the Ask for Ani initiative and domestic abuse support can be found on the website.