Statutory guidance

Delivery of support to victims of domestic abuse in domestic abuse safe accommodation services

Published 1 October 2021

Applies to England

Statutory guidance for local authorities across England.

Issued under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

Introduction

This statutory guidance from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is for English local authorities on their functions pursuant to Part 4 of the 2021 Domestic Abuse Act (‘the 2021 Act’). Local authorities must have regard to this guidance when exercising their functions under this Part (“the duty”).

The duty came into force on 1 October 2021.

This guidance has been developed in consultation with local authorities, expert domestic abuse organisations, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner and other government departments.

Review date

This guidance will be kept under review and updated when necessary. The Secretary of State for Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government will consult before revising the guidance (excluding insubstantial revisions).

What legislation does this guidance refer to?

Part 4 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

Who is this guidance for?

This guidance is published under Part 4, section 60 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which places a duty on the Secretary of State to issue guidance relating to the exercise by local authorities in England of functions under the Part 4 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

Local authorities should also ensure they meet existing statutory requirements including (but not limited to) those set out in:

• Equality Act 2010
• Human Rights Act 1998
• Housing Act 1996
• Homelessness Act 2002
• Crime and Disorder Act 1998

They should also consider their Part 4 duties alongside the following guidance:

• Improving access to social housing for victims of domestic abuse in refuges or other types of temporary accommodations: statutory guidance on social housing allocations for local authorities in England.
• Homelessness code of guidance
• Keeping children safe in education: statutory guidance for schools and colleges
• Working together to safeguard children: a guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children
• Violence against women and girls (including men and boys): national statement of expectations

Main points

This guidance applies to local authority functions relating to the provision of support for all victims of domestic abuse including their children, regardless of their relevant protected characteristics, within ‘relevant’ accommodation (as defined by the Domestic Abuse Support (Relevant Accommodation and Housing Benefit and Universal Credit Sanctuary Schemes) (Amendment) Regulations 2021).

It supports the new duties (contained in Part 4 of the 2021 Act) on relevant local authorities with the aim of ensuring victims of domestic abuse have access to the right accommodation-based support when they need it. It sets out the operation of Part 4 of the Domestic Abuse Act to be delivered by local authorities, and what they should do to fulfil their statutory responsibilities and provides further clarity on how the new duties should be delivered on the ground.

Devolved administrations

The provisions of this duty apply to England only.

Under the respective devolution settlements for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, responsibility for the policy and legislative response to providing support in relevant safe accommodation for domestic abuse victims rests with the respective devolved administrations.

Background

The government has been clear that having the right support to protect and assist all victims of domestic abuse will make individuals and families safe, sooner.

Government recognises the critical importance of support for victims and their children within relevant safe accommodation, as they rebuild their lives after the trauma of domestic abuse.

Following extensive engagement and public consultation, sections 57-61 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 underpinned by this guidance introduce new requirements on local authorities and more accountability in the local delivery of domestic abuse support in relevant safe accommodation.

Part A: Key definitions

Section A1: Domestic abuse

A1.1 Government consulted in March 2018 on a new statutory definition of domestic abuse to ensure that it is properly understood, considered unacceptable and actively challenged across statutory agencies and in public attitudes. The proposed definition expanded on the existing government non-statutory definition by including the concept of economic abuse rather than simply financial abuse.

A1.2 Domestic abuse is defined in section 1 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, and when referenced throughout the guidance should be interpreted as such. As set out in the Act, Domestic Abuse is defined as:

Domestic Abuse Act 2021: Part 1 Definition of “domestic abuse”

Section 1: Definition of “domestic abuse”

(1) This section defines “domestic abuse” for the purposes of this Act.

(2) Behaviour of a person (“A”) towards another person (“B”) is “domestic abuse” if—
 (a) A and B are each aged 16 or over and are personally connected to each other, and
 (b) the behaviour is abusive.

(3) Behaviour is “abusive” if it consists of any of the following—
 (a) physical or sexual abuse;
 (b) violent or threatening behaviour;
 (c) controlling or coercive behaviour;
 (d) economic abuse (see subsection (4));
 (e) psychological, emotional or other abuse;
and it does not matter whether the behaviour consists of a single incident or a course of conduct.

(4) “Economic abuse” means any behaviour that has a substantial adverse effect on B’s ability to —
 (a) acquire, use or maintain money or other property, or
 (b) obtain goods or services.

(5) For the purposes of this Act A’s behaviour may be behaviour “towards” B despite the fact that it consists of conduct directed at another person (for example, B’s child).

(6) References in this Act to being abusive towards another person are to be read in accordance with this section.

(7) For the meaning of “personally connected”, see section 2.

Section 2: Definition of “personally connected”

(1) Two people are “personally connected” to each other if any of the following applies —
 (a) they are, or have been, married to each other;
 (b) they are, or have been, civil partners of each other;
 (c) they have agreed to marry one another (whether or not the agreement has been terminated);
 (d) they have entered into a civil partnership agreement (whether or not the agreement has been terminated);
 (e) they are, or have been, in an intimate personal relationship with each other;
 (f) they each have, or there has been a time when they each have had, a parental relationship in relation to the same child (see subsection (2));
 (g) they are relatives.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(f) a person has a parental relationship in relation to a child if —
 (a) the person is a parent of the child, or
 (b) the person has parental responsibility for the child.

(3) In this section —
 “child” means a person under the age of 18 years;
 “civil partnership agreement” has the meaning given by section 73 of the Civil Partnership Act 2004;
 “parental responsibility” has the same meaning as in the Children Act 1989;
 “relative” has the meaning given by section 63(1) of the Family Law Act 1996.

Section 3: Children as victims of domestic abuse

(1) This section applies where behaviour of a person (“A”) towards another person (“B”) is domestic abuse.

(2) Any reference in this Act to a victim of domestic abuse includes a reference to a child who –
 (a) sees or hears, or experiences the effect of, the abuse, and
 (b) is related to A or B.

(3) A child is related to a person for the purposes of subsection (2) if –
 (a) the person is a parent of, or has parental responsibility for, the child, or
 (b) the child and the person are relatives.

(4) In this section –
 “child” means person under the age of 18 years;
 “parental responsibility” has the same meaning as in the Children Act 1989 (see section 3 of that Act);
 “relative” has the meaning given by section 63(1) of the Family Law Act 1996.

A1.3 Local authorities should recognise that domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. In the year ending March 2020, it is estimated that 1.6 million females and 757,000 males aged 16 to 74 years experienced domestic abuse, with more women killed as a result of domestic abuse than men.

A1.4 Local authorities should recognise that the types of abuse can differ in nature and impact. To effectively deliver against the new duties, and respond to domestic abuse, local authorities should familiarise themselves with the explanation of the types and forms of abuse set out in Home Office’s Domestic Abuse Statutory Guidance Framework.

Section A2: The duties

A2.1 Part 4 of the 2021 Act details duties on relevant local authorities to assess the need for accommodation-based support and prepare strategies to provide such support for victims. The 2021 Act is clear that children of domestic abuse victims who have seen, heard, or experienced the effect of that abuse are victims in their own right. Part 4, and this guidance, includes the words ‘victims and their children’ to ensure that support is provided to any child staying with a victim in safe accommodation, including in those rare situations where the child does not fall within that definition. For example, a child may have been living elsewhere during the period their parent was in an abusive relationship and only come to join their parent once they have arrived in safe accommodation. However, local authorities should note that the vast majority of children of victims residing in safe accommodation will also be victims in their own right.

A2.2 For the purposes of the new duties the definition of ‘relevant local authority’ means county councils, unitary district councils, the Greater London Authority, and the council of the Isles of Scilly in England. Within the guidance we also use the term ‘tier one authority’ to mean a relevant local authority.

A2.3 This new statutory framework provides clarity over governance and accountability. The Act:

I. Places duties on each relevant local authority in England to:

 i. Appoint a multi-agency Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board which it must consult as it performs certain specified functions (below).

 ii. Assess, or make arrangements for the assessment of, the need for accommodation-based domestic abuse support in their area for all victims and their children who reside in relevant safe accommodation, including those who come from outside of their area.

 iii. Prepare and publish a strategy for the provision of such support to cover their area having regard to the needs assessment.

 iv. Give effect to the strategy (through commissioning / decommissioning decisions).

 v. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the strategy.

 vi. Report back annually to central government.

II. Requires the Secretary of State to issue statutory guidance, having consulted the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, local authorities and such other persons as considered appropriate.

III. Requires all local authorities in England to have regard to the statutory guidance in exercising their functions under Part 4.

IV. Requires tier two councils to co-operate with the tier one authority for the purposes of its functions under Part 4, so far as is reasonably practicable.

A2.4 The duties are separate to local authority housing duties under the Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Act 2002 and does not place a requirement on authorities to provide domestic abuse victims with accommodation.

A2.5 However, local authorities must still comply with their duties under homelessness law in line with Chapter 8 of the Homelessness code of guidance for local authorities.

Section A3: Safe accommodation

A3.1 While we acknowledge the critical role of refuge in providing safety and support, particularly to those victims at high risk of serious harm, government recognises that victims may need to live in a variety of different forms of relevant safe accommodation.

A3.2 Privately-owned and managed temporary accommodation^{[footnote 1]} which is not separate or self-contained and with shared toilet, bathroom, or kitchen facilities (such as Bed and Breakfast accommodation) is not considered relevant safe accommodation, and is specifically excluded in the Regulations, so local authorities should not commission domestic abuse support for victims within these types of accommodation under these duties.

A3.3 Commissioning authorities and local housing authorities should work together closely to ensure that duties owed to victims of domestic abuse under other Acts, such as temporary accommodation provided under Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996, continue to be met alongside this duty. It is possible for support under this (Part 4) duty to be provided in accommodation associated with another duty such as a Housing Act 1996 Part 7 duty, provided, such accommodation adheres to the description of relevant safe accommodation.

A3.4 Description of ‘relevant accommodation’ (also referred to as ‘safe accommodation’ throughout this guidance) is specified by the Secretary of State in regulations as:

Refuge accommodation

A refuge offers single gender or single sex accommodation and domestic abuse support which is tied to that accommodation. The address will not be publicly available. Victims, including their children, will have access to a planned programme of therapeutic and practical support from staff. Accommodation may be in shared or self-contained housing, but in both cases the service will enable peer support from other refuge residents.

Specialist safe accommodation

Specialist safe accommodation offering single gender or single sex accommodation, alongside dedicated domestic abuse support which is tailored to also support those who share particular protected characteristic(s) (see section B5) and / or who share one or more vulnerabilities requiring additional support (see section B5). Accommodation may be in shared or self-contained housing, and the address will not be publicly available.

This includes ‘By and For’ services where victims are able to see themselves reflected in the staffing, management and governance structures. By and For services are designed and led by those that share the same protected characteristic(s) as the victims they aim to serve. For example, a specialist domestic abuse organisation that is led by Black and minoritised women and children, for Black and minoritised women and children.

Dispersed accommodation

i. Safe (secure and dedicated to supporting victims of domestic abuse), self-contained accommodation with a similar level of specialist domestic abuse support as provided within a refuge but which may be more suitable for victims who are unable to stay in a refuge with communal spaces, and/or where peer support from other residents may not be appropriate, due to complex support needs, or where older teenage sons cannot be accommodated in a women only refuge, for example. Where two or more units share any part of the accommodation, including shared hallways or access routes, provision should be single gender or single sex.

ii. Safe (secure and dedicated to supporting victims of domestic abuse), self-contained ‘semi-independent’ accommodation which is not within a refuge but with support for victims who may not require the intensive support offered through refuge, but are still at risk of abuse from their perpetrator/s^{[footnote 2]}. Where two or more units share any part of the accommodation, including shared hallways or access routes, provision should be single gender or single sex.

Sanctuary Schemes

Sanctuary Schemes properties with local authority or private registered providers of social housing installed Sanctuary Schemes^{[footnote 3]} which provide enhanced physical security measures to a home or the perimeter of the home. A Sanctuary Scheme is a survivor centred initiative which aims to make it possible for victims of domestic abuse to remain in their own homes, where it is safe for them to do so, where it is their choice, and where the perpetrator does not live in the accommodation. This is done by providing additional security – ‘installing a sanctuary’ – to the victims’ property or perimeter. The Whole Housing Approach Toolkit on Sanctuary Schemes provides further information.

Second stage accommodation

Accommodation temporarily provided to victims, including their children, who are moving on from other forms of relevant accommodation and/or who no longer need the intensive level of support provided in a refuge, but would still benefit from a lower level of domestic abuse specific support for a period before they move to fully independent and settled accommodation. Where second stage accommodation is in shared housing it should be single gender or single sex. There is no expectation that every victim will require this. Many victims are ready to move straight to a settled new home from refuge. However, second stage accommodation (sometimes known as ‘move-on’) may be helpful in some cases.

Other forms of domestic abuse emergency accommodation

A safe place (single gendered or single sex, secure and dedicated to supporting victims of domestic abuse) with domestic abuse support tied to the accommodation to enable victims to make informed decisions when leaving a perpetrator and seeking safe accommodation. For example, short term (e.g. 2-3 weeks) accommodation providing victims with the space and safety to consider and make informed decisions about the options available to them.

A3.5 Some domestic abuse safe accommodation services may fall under more than one of the above descriptions.

A3.6 Local authorities must carry out their duties relating to the provision of accommodation-based support by providing support within such accommodation in line with the above descriptions in the Regulations

A3.7 All support provided under the duties must be provided to victims of domestic abuse, including children, who reside in relevant safe accommodation as set out above and such support should meet the MHCLG Quality Standards (see Annex B), Women’s Aid National Quality Standards, Imkaan Accredited Quality Standards, Male Domestic Abuse Network Service Standards and / or DAHA Accreditation Framework for Housing Providers.

Section A4: Support

A4.1 Domestic abuse support provided through the exercise of the functions in Part 4 of the 2021 Act includes the expert help provided to victims by the specialist staff in domestic abuse safe accommodation support services. We recognise that some support is directly provided by staff on site (e.g. within refuges), whereas other support will be provided to victims through a support worker visiting them, including in their own homes in the case of a sanctuary scheme. However, in all cases, support is provided to victims who reside in relevant safe accommodation.

A4.2 It is the responsibility of the tier one authority to assess whether an individual victim needs accommodation-based support and ensure that their particular support needs are met. In assessing whether a victim needs accommodation-based support, authorities may wish to use SafeLives online resources to help identify the risks facing that particular victim of domestic abuse

A4.3 Where a victim is homeless, the relevant housing authority must also assess what housing duties are owed to the victim and ensure those are met. Authorities in two tier areas will need to work closely together and will wish to consider putting in place mechanisms for cross referral/joint assessment to ensure that both the housing and support needs are assessed and met.

A4.4 Local housing authorities owe duties under Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 to victims of domestic abuse who are eligible and homeless. If the household is homeless as a result of being a victim of domestic abuse, they will have priority need for accommodation secured by the local authority. This means that local housing authorities must provide temporary accommodation until the duty can be discharged through provision of settled accommodation. The temporary accommodation must be suitable in line with the requirements of the Housing Act. Further information can be found in the Homelessness code of guidance.

A4.5 Where a tier one authority chooses to deliver the support under Part 4 in accommodation offered under Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996, the accommodation must meet the description of ‘relevant accommodation’.

A4.6 For the purposes of the Part 4 duty, Authorities cannot provide support in ‘Bed & Breakfast’ accommodation (as defined in the regulations). Support under this duty should not be provided in any shared, mixed gender accommodation (such as a mixed gender homeless hostel) as this would not be in line with the descriptions of domestic abuse relevant safe accommodation set out above. Where a victim is in this type of accommodation and the authority identifies that they require support, the tier one authority will want to work with the housing authority to ensure that support can be provided in the appropriate relevant safe accommodation without delay.

A4.7 This guidance describes domestic abuse support within relevant safe accommodation as:

• Overall management of services within relevant safe accommodation – including capacity building, support and supervision of staff, payroll, financial and day to day management of services and maintaining relationships with the local authority (such functions will often be undertaken by a service manager)
• Support with the day-to-day running of the service – for example scheduling times for counselling sessions, group activities (such functions may often be undertaken by administrative or office staff)
• Advocacy support – development of personal safety plans, liaison with other services (for example, GPs and social workers, welfare benefit providers).
• Domestic abuse prevention advice – support to assist victims to recognise the signs of abusive relationships, to help them remain safe (including online), and to prevent re-victimisation.
• Specialist support for victims
  • Designed specifically for victims with relevant protected characteristics (including ‘by and for’), such as faith services, translators and interpreters, immigration advice, interpreters for victims identifying as deaf and / or hard of hearing, and dedicated support for LGBTQ+ victims [not limited to].
  • Designed specifically for victims with additional and / or complex needs such as, mental health advice and support, drug and alcohol advice and support [not limited to], including sign posting accordingly.
• Children’s support – including play therapy, child advocacy or a specialist children worker (for example, a young people’s violence advisor, IDVA or outreach worker specialised in working with children).
• Housing-related support – providing housing-related advice and support, for example, securing a permanent home, rights to existing accommodation and advice on how to live safely and independently.
• Advice service – including financial and legal support, including accessing benefits, support into work and establishing independent financial arrangements; and,
• Counselling and therapy – (including group support) for both adults and children, including emotional support.

A4.8 This list of support is not an exhaustive list and other relevant support services can be put in place (based on victims’ needs).

A4.9 Authorities must ensure that support commissioned under this duty is provided to victims of domestic abuse, including their children, who reside in relevant safe accommodation as described in section (section A3) of this guidance.

A4.10 Part 4 (and this guidance) is limited to accommodation-based support and does not include other support which may be provided to victims of domestic abuse for example in community-based locations.

A4.11 The support should be delivered by knowledgeable and/or experienced specialist providers, charities, and other voluntary organisations whose purpose is to provide support to victims of domestic abuse.

Part B: Local delivery of support within safe accommodation

Section B1: Collaborative working

B1.1 Tier one authorities may choose to work in close partnership with other tier one authorities to deliver the Part 4 duties jointly across more than one local authority area, for example, working as a regional cluster.

B1.2 Tier one authorities are encouraged to work collaboratively with neighbouring tier one local authorities by, as a minimum, sharing local data and service information to support in understanding potential need, join up and consistency.

B1.3 Tier two authorities must, so far as reasonably practicable, comply with a request to cooperate with tier one authorities in exercising their functions under Part 4. This should include (but is not limited to):

I. Providing advice, guidance, and knowledge on the local area to support in the completion of a local needs assessment.

II. Contributing to the development of a local strategy based on the needs assessments.

III. Working in line with the agreed and published local strategy, particularly where commissioning responsibility has been delegated to tier two authorities.

IV. Passing on relevant data to tier one authorities for monitoring, evaluation and reporting purposes.

B1.4 We recognise the importance of multi-agency working in responding to the needs of victims of domestic abuse who reside within relevant safe accommodation. Stakeholder feedback highlighted the value of close relationships between local authorities and a variety of agencies, most notably police and crime commissioners and specialist domestic abuse services.

Section B2: Local Partnership Boards

B2.1 Tier one authorities must appoint a Local Partnership Board consisting of key partners with an interest in tackling domestic abuse and supporting victims, including their children.

Membership

B2.2 As set out in Part 4, Section 58 of the Act, members of the Board must include:

(a) a representative of the tier one authority.

(b) at least one person appearing to represent the interests of tier two authorities within the tier one authority area.

B2.3 In some areas, it may not be practical or appropriate for all tier two authorities to attend Boards. We expect that in these circumstances, at least one nominated tier two authority represent the views of all the tier two authorities in an area covered by the Board.

B2.4 In larger areas such as London, we expect that more than one tier two authority may need to sit on the Board to fully ensure all views are adequately represented.

B2.5 Structures for ensuring sufficient representation of tier two authority interests on the Board are for local areas to decide. Consideration should be given to the different responsibilities of the tier two areas to ensure adequate representation e.g. ensuring both housing and community safety knowledge and experience is represented.

(c) at least one person appearing to the authority to represent the interests of victims of domestic abuse.

B2.6 Tier one authorities should ensure the Board adequately considers and factors in the voice of victims and service users when undertaking needs assessments, developing strategies, and making commissioning decisions. Consideration should be taken as to the appropriateness of how this is approached. Local authorities may wish to have direct representation from a victim on the Board or alternatively through a separate dedicated forum specific to hearing the voices and views of victims, a representative of which can sit on the Board. Local authorities should put in place appropriate measures to ensure victims are adequately supported to engage in this work (for example, providing childcare, accessibility arrangements, & travel costs to enable meeting attendance).

B2.7 In doing so, tier one authorities should ensure that victim representative(s) are appropriate in ensuring the voices of victims with a range of relevant protected characteristics and needs are heard.

(d) at least one person appearing to the authority to represent the interests of children of domestic abuse victims.

B2.8 All Boards must include relevant representation from services and / or organisations that support the needs of children, ensuring the unique needs of child victims and children of domestic abuse victims staying with their parent in relevant safe accommodation are adequately considered and addressed. Where children come within the definition of section 3 of the 2021 Act, they will be victims in their own right. This will be the case for virtually all children living in domestic abuse safe accommodation.

(e) at least one person appearing to the authority to represent the interests of charities and other voluntary organisations that work with victims of domestic abuse in its area.

B2.9 Representation of local domestic abuse services must be included in the Board. Tier one authorities should work closely with local domestic abuse services, in particular drawing on their expertise and experience of supporting victims, including children, to further understand the varying needs and how best to address them. In working out how best to represent the interests of domestic abuse charities and organisations, there is an expectation that tier one authorities will reach out to all such charities/organisations in its area (both commissioned and non-commissioned) to discuss the proposed local arrangements, to ensure that Board membership is genuinely representative.

B2.10 While one representative is the minimum requirement, in practice representation should be higher as necessary to adequately reflect the needs of all those affected by domestic abuse in the local area. It is particularly important to include specialist ‘by and for’ domestic abuse organisations working with or providing dedicated support to victims with relevant protected characteristics and additional or complex needs.

B2.11 Where it is not possible to have direct representation from ‘by and for’ services providing specialist and dedicated support to victims with relevant protected characteristics or additional/complex needs – for example due to such services serving multiple local authority areas having limited capacity - tier one authorities should consider alternative methods to ensuring the needs of these victims are appropriately captured. This could include training by such services to increase the Boards level of understanding or working closely with other tier one Boards that have representation of these services.

B2.12 Where it is not possible for all local services that wish to sit on the Board to do so, tier one authorities should ensure that the views of all local organisations are represented by putting in place appropriate arrangements to enable such services to feed into the Board. For example, through setting up a dedicated sub-group for local domestic abuse safe accommodation services.

(f) at least one person appearing to the authority to represent the interests of persons who provide, or have functions relating to, health care services in its area.

(g) at least one person appearing to the authority to represent the interests of persons with functions relating to policing or criminal justice in its area.

B2.13 To ensure join up of services at a local level, tier one authorities should consider how best to work with local healthcare and policing and criminal justice services. This includes ensuring appropriate representatives from such services are on the Board. Representatives could include individuals representing the interests of local Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) (and any other successor bodies) or Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs).

B2.14 The Board representation listed above is the minimum, and it is open to tier one authorities to appoint additional members to the board. Membership should reflect the specific needs of a local area, for example, in an area with high BAME population, a local Gypsy, Roma & Traveller community, or high population of military service personnel for example, membership could include representation by relevant services.

B2.15 Tier one authorities should also consider including housing representatives as well as representation from similar or connected boards such as Community Safety Partnerships and Homelessness Reduction Boards. Authorities should make clear how and why representatives were selected, and the process which bodies can go through to express their interest in becoming a member of the Board.

B2.16 Tier one authorities should set out a Terms of Reference for the Board. An example Terms of Reference can be found at Annex A.

B2.17 Where similar Boards or structures are already established tier one authorities should decide whether they are already the best approach to meeting the requirements of the duty locally. We do not expect local authorities to make changes if existing structures can adequately meet the duties and expectations set out in Part 4 of the 2021 Act, regulations and further set out in this guidance.

B2.18 Where authorities opt to use existing structures to deliver this duty, they should undertake a review of the existing associated strategies, needs assessments and commissioning policies. Where appropriate or necessary, these should then be revised in light of the new requirements as soon as possible, and in line with the required deadline for publication of first strategies as set out in regulations.

B2.19 Where tier one authorities choose to deliver the duty jointly with other tier one authorities, they must ensure the Board adheres to the relevant requirements set out above (section B1 bullets a-g) – all tier one areas covered under the joint arrangement must be represented.

B2.20 Boards should convene, at a minimum, quarterly to undertake the relevant steps. The meeting frequency should be set out in the local Terms of Reference.

B2.21 As set out in the 2021 Act, Boards should support tier one authorities by providing advice on the exercise of the following functions:

• Assessing the scale and nature of the needs for support within relevant safe accommodation for all victims, including their children, including those that require highly specialist support and those that come from out of area (see Section B3).
• Preparing and publishing a whole-area domestic abuse support in relevant safe accommodation strategy setting out the steps needed to meet the needs of diverse victims including their children, joining up strategies across local areas where appropriate (see Section B4).
• Giving effect to the strategy by making commissioning and decommissioning decisions of support within relevant safe accommodation at a local level (see Section B5).
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the strategy, including local delivery of support within domestic abuse relevant safe accommodation (see Section C1).
• Reporting on progress and how funding has been used to MHCLG (see Section C2).
• Provision of any other local authority support being provided to victims of domestic abuse or their children in the authority’s area.

Section B3: Local needs assessments

B3.1 Tier one authorities, with support from their Boards, must conduct (or make arrangements for) a local needs assessment to determine the level of need for support within relevant safe accommodation in their area.

B3.2 MHCLG have developed a standardised form to support authorities in undertaking a local needs assessment. This will create consistency across the country and better ensure authorities are considering the needs of all victims in their area. The standardised needs assessment form and associated guidance has previously been provided to local authorities and will be published alongside this guidance.

B3.3 Needs assessments are an important precursor to developing local strategies. A full local needs assessment should be conducted at a minimum every 3 years, with a refresh being undertaken on an annual basis to ensure any change in demand or support requirements are adequately captured.

B3.4 Tier one authorities, in consultation with the Board, should take steps to understand the barriers that prevent victims with diverse needs from accessing support within relevant safe accommodation, including those who share relevant protected characteristics. This also includes taking into consideration, but is not limited to, household composition, nationality and the varying levels of support needs and risk. In undertaking their needs assessment, local authorities should bear in mind their obligations under the Equality Act 2010.

B3.5 Tier one authorities, utilising the expertise and knowledge of the Board members, must take steps to understand the barriers that prevent victims with certain relevant protected characteristics and/ or multiple complex needs from accessing and using support within relevant safe accommodation. Individuals can be the victims of multiple and different abusive behaviours because of the way different factors, such as immigration status, sex, race, ethnicity, age, religion or belief, socio-economic position, gender identity and sexual orientation intersect and overlap. Tier one authorities should consider this intersectionality when assessing the needs of victims. Further information on the forms of abuse and barriers to support that victims may experience is available in the Home Office Statutory Guidance to the 2021 Act.

B3.6 Local needs assessments should take into account the need for support and services for all victims regardless of protected characteristics within the area and for those whose original residence was located out of area. In doing so the assessment should also consider the number and needs level of victims who need to flee out of the local authority area to access relevant safe accommodation within a different area. Tier one authorities should consider working with their neighbouring local authorities to share data to understand the needs of victims from outside of the local area. Authorities may also be able to source data on victims coming from out of area from local relevant safe accommodation services.

B3.7 In undertaking the local needs assessment, tier one authorities should use the expertise and knowledge of local and national specialist services to support in identifying and understanding the level and types of needs, including the needs of children, disabled victims, victims from minority ethnic or faith communities, those from the Gypsy Roma and Traveller community, LGBTQ+ victims, female victims, male victims, older victims, as well as victims with complex needs such as mental health or drug & alcohol problems. This is not an exhaustive list – for a fuller list see section B5. As well as listening to the voices of victims.

B3.8 Where possible, the Board should ensure personal data of victims does not form part of the local needs assessments. Where data that could risk identifying a victim and/ or a member of their family is collected, the Board must set out clearly how the data is intended to be used. Local authorities must comply with data protection laws.

B3.9 Where authorities currently assess the needs for support within relevant safe accommodation alongside need for wider domestic abuse and / or VAWG services, we would encourage authorities to continue this approach, ensuring the elements set out in the form and associated guidance is adequately captured.

Section B4: Strategies

B4.1 Tier one authorities must prepare and publish a local domestic abuse support in safe accommodation strategy based on a robust needs assessment, the first of which should be published in draft for consultation by 26 October 2021 with a final version to be published before 5 January 2022 as set out in the Domestic Abuse Support (Local Authority Strategies and Annual Reports) Regulations 2021. Thereafter, strategies must be reviewed every 3 years. It is recommended that strategies are published on an easily accessible page within the relevant local authority’s website.

B4.2 Strategies do not need to follow a specific format; however, tier one authorities should ensure the strategy clearly sets out its overall and holistic purpose, aims, priorities and approach to deliver a rounded offer of support to victims residing in relevant safe accommodation. This includes detailing the purpose, plans and approaches working across tier one and two with partners, including other services within the authority, specialist domestic abuse providers, PCCs, housing and health bodies (not limited to). It should also set out:

Needs identified

• The support needs identified as part of the local needs assessment, with a clear breakdown of the differing needs of victim groups such as, but not limited to, those from BAME backgrounds or who identify as LGBTQ+ (for a fuller list see section B6).
• The current available provision of support in relevant safe accommodation for victims in the local authority area, highlighting any gaps identified.

Addressing the needs

• The steps that will be taken to ensure the needs identified are adequately addressed. Tier one authorities should make clear how they plan on making available relevant safe accommodation support services that meet the needs of all victims who share protected characteristic(s) under the Equality Act 2010 or who share a vulnerability requiring additional support.
• This must include how they will address the barriers faced by victims with one or more relevant protected characteristics and / or multiple complex needs, such as those listed under Section B6.
• How the support needs of children within relevant safe accommodation will be adequately met.
• The level and breakdown of funding being committed to deliver on the areas set out in the strategy.

B4.3 Tier one authorities, in giving effect to their strategies, should have in place an approach to meeting the needs of victims, including victims coming from outside of their local area. Local authorities should work collaboratively with other local authorities to put in place support which allows victims easy movement from one area to another whilst ensuring their safety.

B4.4 Access to services should not be restricted by the victim’s original locality (in line with guidance on the disapplication of local connection for domestic abuse victims set out in the Statutory guidance on social housing allocations for local authorities in England). Authorities can ensure services meet this expectation by requiring commissioned services to accept referrals nationally e.g. via the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, or Men’s Advice Line as appropriate, as well as putting in place agreements with neighbouring authorities.

B4.5 As well as setting out how the local authority, in consultation with the Board, aims to address the needs identified from the local needs assessment, strategies should also clearly set out how authorities plan to spread awareness of Domestic Abuse and the support available to victims who reside in relevant safe accommodation.

B4.6 Strategies should, as far as possible, be linked to and / or joined-up with other relevant local authority functions, such as (but not limited to): Violence Against Women and Girls (which includes men and boys), Modern Slavery, Community Safety, Victims Strategy, Housing and Homelessness Reduction, Safeguarding and Supporting Families.

B4.7 Tier one authorities must keep under review any effect of their strategy on the provision of other local authority funded domestic abuse support in its area. As specific funding has been provided to local authorities to meet the requirements of the Domestic Abuse Act support in relevant safe accommodation duties, MHCLG does not expect to see provision of support in relevant safe accommodation under this duty leading to cuts in community-based domestic abuse support provision.

B4.8 In reviewing this, local authorities should utilise their knowledge of local spend and services, as well as drawing on the expertise of Board members to advise tier one authorities on the delivery of other, non- accommodation, local authority funded Domestic Abuse services.

B4.9 Tier one authorities must consult with the Board, tier two authorities within the area and such other persons as they consider appropriate, before publishing their strategy.

B4.10 Tier one authorities must also consult with those set out above on revised versions of the strategy before publishing.

B4.11 The mechanism by which tier one authorities choose to consult with should be made clear and include an up to date version of the strategy as well as adequate time for organisations to review and feedback – the timeframe of which should be clearly set out.

B4.12 Tier one authorities should set out a clear process which organisations and individuals can use to raise concerns in regard to the local strategy and the authorities’ approach in addressing the needs identified.

Section B5: Giving effect to strategies

B5.1 Tier one authorities should ensure support is commissioned in relevant safe accommodation to meet the needs of victims including their children in line with their local strategy as soon as reasonably practicable and in line with local authority procurement rules and commissioning cycles.

B5.2 This should be done in partnership with the Board and in partnership with relevant tier two authorities.

B5.3 In commissioning services, authorities must ensure they adhere to sections A2 and A3 of this guidance.

B5.4 Local authorities must ensure that no commissioned services under the duty include locality restrictions, and that victims are not turned away from accessing support commissioned under this duty on this basis of where they originally resided.

B5.5 Refuge, Specialist (including by and for) and other forms of safe accommodation with shared facilities commissioned under the duty should be single gender or single sex. Under the Equality Act, services have the right to refuse accommodation in certain circumstances on the grounds of sex or gender reassignment, proportionate to achieving a legitimate aim. However, local authorities should ensure that services are available which can offer support for transgender victims who need relevant safe accommodation.

B5.6 The services and support commissioned must reflect the particular needs of all victims in the area. Authorities must bear in mind their Public Sector Equality Duties (see B6.3, below) and duties under the Public Services (Value) Act when commissioning services. For example, there must be adequate and appropriate support within the area to support victims with particular protected characteristics and needs such as disabled victims, those from a BAME background, those who identify as LGBTQ+, female victims, and male victims. (This list is not exhaustive: for a fuller list see B5).

B5.7 Tier one authorities should consider intersectionalities when developing and giving effect to strategies. Individuals can be the victims of multiple different abusive behaviours because of the way different characteristics – such as immigration status, sex, race, ethnicity, age, religion or belief, socio-economic position, gender identity and sexual orientation – intersect and overlap. This can create barriers to accessing services and support if they are not adequately designed to meet their needs.

B5.8 Tailored support is vital to ensuring victims receive the right and appropriate types of support. Commissioning authorities should recognise that only making a ‘one size fits all’ provision available through e.g. offering a single contract for all victim support services across the authority is unlikely to be the right approach.

B5.9 Where authorities believe [based on the local needs assessment] there to be a low level of need for specialist support for victims with particular needs, they should clearly detail within their strategies how they will ensure appropriate support is available should a victim present with these needs in their area.

B5.10 This could include working collaboratively with neighbouring authorities to agree a joint approach, for example by pooling funding to commission support services which cover a wider geographic print than a single tier one authority area.

B5.11 Commissioning authorities should ensure that the process for commissioning does not exclude smaller voluntary organisations, including those that are run ‘by and for’ groups with particular protected characteristics such as victims from BAME backgrounds, male victims, female victims those identifying as LGBTQ+ or disabled victims [not limited to].

B5.12 When commissioning services, commissioning authorities are encouraged to use the Home Office Violence against women and girls commissioning toolkit. The rules on grants and contracts are complicated and commissioning authorities should seek legal, financial and procurement advice on the right commissioning route to achieve the intended outcomes and provide best value for money. Authorities should establish the best mechanism to deliver based on the specifics of each commission. There may be circumstances where grant funding is the most appropriate route. Authorities should seek specialist advice to establish how to ensure that the particular needs of specific victim groups are considered appropriately within the commissioning approach and any competitive award criteria.

B5.13 When commissioning services, authorities should consider how best to involve the Local Partnership Board, taking into consideration that some Board members may have a conflict of interest. It is advised that domestic abuse safe accommodation service providers should not be involved with local commissioning decisions in relation to this duty.

B5.14 Where possible, commissioning should be conducted on a long-term basis to encourage consistency and security for victims including children. Unless there is good reason not to, commissioning should at a minimum reflect the period covered under the local strategy (3 years).

B5.15 Where it has been agreed to delegate commissioning decisions to tier two authorities, tier one authorities must ensure adequate funding is passed down.

B5.16 Tier one authorities and other Board member organisations should consider the potential to pool funds wherever possible to enable efficient commissioning of domestic abuse support services which deliver value for money – for example specialist VAWG services to also offer support outside of domestic abuse safe accommodation. This includes pooling funds and commissioning services across multiple tier one areas.

B5.17 In commissioning support services under this duty, tier one authorities must ensure that services are provided in accommodation that comes within the definition of relevant safe accommodation as described (see section A3). Tier one authorities should also ensure delivery of support meets agreed and recognised quality standards, and where they do not, take action to ensure commissioned services align with these. Recognised standards include MHCLG’s Quality Standards, the Women’s Aid National Quality Standards and / or Imkaan Accredited Quality Standards, Male Domestic Abuse Network Service Standards and DAHA Accreditation Framework for Housing Providers.

Section B6: Supporting all victims

B6.1 Victims with each relevant protected characteristics as per the Equality Act 2010 must be able to access the support that they need. Under this duty, we expect authorities to ensure sufficient appropriate support is available within relevant safe accommodation to meet the needs of all victims including those with relevant protected characteristics, additional and / or multiple complex needs, or whose support needs cannot be properly met within non-specialist domestic abuse safe accommodation, such as:

• Black Asian and Minority Ethnic victims (including Gypsy Roma and Traveller, with consideration to the Women and Equalities Committee report)
• Male victims
• Female victims
• Transgender and Non-Binary victims
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual victims, and others who may face barriers as a result of their sexuality
• Disabled victims^{[footnote 4]} – includes but is not limited to victims who are deaf or hard of hearing, visually impaired, autistic, wheelchair users, those with learning difficulties, as well as those with age-related disabilities
• Young (aged 16-18 – including care leavers) and older victims (over 65)
• Victims with an offending history
• Victims presenting with complex needs including those with mental health and/or drug and alcohol use support needs
• Victims with histories of sleeping rough
• Victims with histories of offending
• Victims facing multiple forms of abuse within the family such as honour-based violence and forced marriage
• Victims from a particular religion and/or with a spiritual belief, particularly if facing barriers to support as a result
• Migrant victims, including victims having insecure immigration status
• Victims from isolated and/or marginalised communities, including where there is limited English proficiency.
• Victims who have no choice but to move away from their local areas, communities, and friends to escape their perpetrator to stay safe and receive the support they need.
• Children of victims (including adolescent male children) who need to move with their parent into relevant safe accommodation.
• Victims accompanied by children, including large families and those with older adolescence boys (12+)
• Pregnant victims

B6.2 Commissioning authorities should consider the needs and specific barriers of victims that may fall into more than one relevant protected characteristic and / or additional and complex needs.

B6.3 Local authorities should also consider their Public Sector Equality Duty under the Equality Act 2010 and must have due regard to the need to:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination
• Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who don’t
• Foster or encourage good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who don’t

B6.4 As set out at B4.2, tier one authorities should also clearly set out in their strategies an agreed approach to addressing the barriers identified to ensure all victims are able to access the support they need when they need it.

B6.5 Tier one authorities should ensure support services are provided in locations and ways which are accessible to all victims including their children. This should reflect needs identified as part of the needs assessment and should include, but is not limited to, having in place translation services, British Sign Language interpreters and wheelchair access, and accessible formats for people with learning disabilities and speech and language issues, such as easy read^{[footnote 5]}.

B6.6 Where gaps in such support have been identified, commissioning authorities should explore the use of training for services already commissioned to ensure needs are being adequately met. For example, by offering training to support staff within the area to build confidence in supporting victims with particular needs, such as those who do not speak English as their first language.

B6.7 A key barrier to supporting migrant victims of domestic abuse is the difficulty in funding accommodation costs in safe accommodation for victims with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF). The Home Office £1.5 million Support for Migrant Victims Scheme has been launched to address this issue. It provides accommodation and support for migrant victims of domestic abuse with NRPF, as well as building the evidence base required to inform subsequent policy decisions.

B6.8 Local authorities should refer to the Home Office Domestic Abuse Act Statutory Guidance, which contains more information on support for migrant victims, as well as the full range of other barriers to support which victims may face.

Part C: Reporting and national oversight

MHCLG is developing a standardised reporting form for tier one authorities to report back to government on steps taken in meeting the duty in the form specified by the Secretary of State from time to time. A standardised approach will create consistency in the type and level of data collected at both local and national level.

Section C1: Monitoring and evaluating

C1.1 Tier one authorities, should have a clear approach to monitoring and evaluating local delivery against approaches set out within their local strategies, including how they will work with the Board to support with this work.

C1.2 In doing so, authorities should review how local decisions and actions have impacted the needs assessments and victims’ journeys within their area. For example, how have barriers identified as part as the Needs Assessment been addressed?

C1.3 Local monitoring and evaluation should include the collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data. Tier one authorities should ensure that the outcomes of victims accessing support are considered in their evaluation, to ensure the support made available adequately meets the level and nature of need within the area. This should include, as far as practicable, the protected characteristics of victims.

C1.4 Commissioning authorities should continue to monitor the quality of commissioned services to ensure they continue to adhere to the appropriate quality standards.

C1.5 Tier one authorities should also continue to capture whether victims are unable to access the support they need, including the reasons behind this, and the planned steps in addressing these barriers.

C1.6 Evaluations should be undertaken on an annual basis in line with reporting requirements set out below.

C1.7 It is expected that tier one authorities will also publish their evaluation and monitoring approaches and outcomes.

Section C2: Reporting

C2.1 Tier one authorities must report back to MHCLG on the exercise of their functions in Part 4 as laid out in section 59 (2) of the Domestic Abuse Support (Local Authority Strategies and Annual Reports) Regulations 2021. The form of the report will be specified by the Secretary of State by notice to the tier one authority.

C2.2 Tier one authorities will need to complete and submit an annual report as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of each financial year to the Secretary of State. MHCLG would expect this to be within 3 months following the end of the financial year and therefore expect reports to be submitted by June.

The information provided as part of these reports will need to demonstrate how local authorities have executed the functions required under the duty. Data and information to be collected includes:

a. Confirmation a Local Partnership Board has been established, setting out the members of the Board and how often they convene.

b. Evidence that adequate needs assessments have been undertaken by detailing when and how they undertook the assessment as well as providing a clear breakdown of the needs identified within the local area.

c. Evidence that local strategies are in place and working effectively. Tier one authorities will need to demonstrate that strategies were published on time and detail how the approaches set out has supported victims accessing services within their area.

d. Evidence that local commissioning decisions have been informed by local needs assessments and strategies. In doing so tier one authorities will need to provide data to demonstrate that the number and type of commissioned support services reflect identified needs.

e. A clear breakdown of how allocated funding has been spent against the delivery approaches set out in local strategies and demonstrates value for money.

C2.3 Where appropriate, tier two authorities should cooperate with tier one authorities in the completion of the reporting template.

C2.4 Tier one authorities must review and report any effect of its strategy on the provision of other local authority support in its area.

Section C3: Oversight and National Expert Steering Group

C3.1 Tier one authorities will be accountable in the delivery of the duty to MHCLG. MHCLG is establishing a Ministerial led National Expert Steering Group to monitor the delivery of the new duty across the country.

C3.2 MHCLG will develop and publish a Terms of Reference to make clear the role and remit of the Group. This will include setting out the desired delivery outcomes, as well as expectations on which bodies will form the Group’s core members, representing, Police and Crime Commissioners, Local Government Association, NHS Clinical Commissioners, Housing and Specialist Domestic Abuse Providers, to ensure the right level of knowledge and expertise is in place.

C3.3 The Domestic Abuse Commissioner (DAC) will form part of the Group and where appropriate, other departmental ministers will also attend to ensure join up and cross government working.

C3.4 MHCLG will use the data provided by local authorities as part of their reporting requirements, to monitor the progress of delivery of these new duties.

C3.5 MHCLG will also use the information provided to form an accurate picture of how the duties are being delivered on the ground as well as to identify areas of best practice and common areas of challenge. A summarised report will be submitted to the National Expert Steering Group for review.

C3.6 The ministerial led National Expert Steering Group will aim to meet at a minimum twice a year and will discuss progress of the delivery of domestic abuse support services within relevant safe accommodation, drawing upon and reviewing evidence tier one authorities report to MHCLG.

C3.7 The group will specifically consider as a standing agenda item, whether the support needs for all victims in relevant safe accommodation are being met.

C3.8 A report summarising progress across the country will also be published.

Annex A: Recommended Terms of Reference for Local Domestic Abuse Partnership Boards

Purpose and role

The Local Domestic Abuse Partnership Board is a partnership group responsible for supporting [Enter local authority] in meeting its duty under Part 4 of the Domestic Abuse Act.

The Board will work together to support, advise, and work in partnership with [Enter local authority] to ensure victims of domestic abuse have access to adequate and appropriate support within relevant safe accommodation services. The Board will establish an equitable partnership that reflects the needs of those impacted by domestic abuse in the local area and works to ensure victims of domestic abuse have access to appropriate and specialist support within relevant safe accommodation services.

The Board will work together to improve outcomes for victims of domestic abuse, including their children, through a strategic approach to identifying and addressing gaps in support within relevant safe accommodation services.

Frequency

The Board will meet on a [insert frequency (minimum is expected to be quarterly)] basis.

Membership

The Board is made up of a number of responsible bodies and agencies that by law, must be represented.

[Name and role of tier one authority representative/s]

[Name and role of tier two authority/ies representative/s]

[Name and role of representatives of victims of domestic abuse]

[Name and role of representative/s of children of domestic abuse]

[Name and role of representative/s for charities and other voluntary organisations that work with victims of domestic abuse in the area], including specialist and by and for services.

[Name and role of representative/s for health care services]

[Name and role of representative/s for policing or criminal justice]

[Add additional representatives such as a Housing Representative as local authority / Board sees fit]

The Board will be chaired by [Insert name and role]
Vice Chair of the Board will be [Insert name and role]

Note the chair / vice chair does not have to be a representative from the tier one authority.

Members of the Board are responsible for ensuring they report back and feed into the Board on behalf of their represented group / body.

Roles and responsibilities

The Board will:

• Provide advice and data to support [Enter local authority] to undertake a robust local needs assessment to identify and understand the needs of domestic abuse victims within relevant safe accommodation, in their area (including those that present from out of area).
• Provide expert advice and data to support the development of a local strategy, agreeing the appropriate steps needed to meet the needs identified – ensuring the needs of all victims, including those with protected characteristics and / or additional complex needs, are represented and met through the strategy.
• Support [Enter local authority] to effectively engage with domestic abuse victims and expert services in understanding the range and complexity of needs.
• Support [Enter local authority] to make commissioning and decommissioning decisions (where appropriate). This can include when and how commissioning is undertaken to ensure the best and most appropriate services are made available for victims.
• Note: local authorities should take into consideration that some Board members may have a conflict of interest. It is advised that domestic abuse relevant safe accommodation service providers should not be involved with local commissioning decisions in relation to this duty.
• Support in ensuring join up across other related areas such as alcohol and drug treatment services, housing, health, early years and childhood support, social services and police and crime services [not limited to]
• Advise and support in dealing with issues raised and identified from engagement through formal and informal routes.
• Provide advice to [enter local authority] about the provision of other local authority domestic abuse support.
• Escalate issues to the relevant representative / body
• [Enter other responsibilities agreed on by Board member]

Tier one authorities should agree a clear escalation process, with the Board, which members and other local organisations can utilise to raise concerns in regard to the implementation of the duties.

Agendas

Members will be able to put forward suggested agenda items for consideration. The secretariat will circulate final agendas [XX days/ weeks] ahead of meetings.

Standing agenda items will include:

• [insert agreed standard agenda item]
• [insert agreed standard agenda item]
• [insert agreed standard agenda item]

Absence

Where members are unable to attend a meeting, they are responsible for informing the Board ahead of the meeting and, as far as possible, should ensure a representative is present on behalf of the organisation / body.

Reporting

The chair / Board will report back to [enter details of internal governance and reporting, including reporting frequency]

The Board will support [enter local authority] in reporting back to MHCLG on delivering the duty in line with statutory guidance and the standardised reporting form.

Annex B: MHCLG Quality Standards

1. Safety, security and dignity

• Victims can access crisis support at any time and receive a timely response.
• On referral, services rigorously assess and agree with the victim whether the service’s geographical location can offer a victim safety. Victims are not expected to accept an offer of support in safe accommodation which does not provide a safe location.
• Victim safety is prioritised throughout. Victims should not be expected to stay if a service location is no longer safe for them (e.g. found by their perpetrator), but should be given urgent assistance to move.
• Victims are assessed and offered trauma informed^{[footnote 6]} services on the basis of their individual need for safety and support.
• Measures are in place to ensure service users are safe from being found by their perpetrator.
• Physical buildings to be well maintained, safe and meet the relevant building standards.
• Provision is located in single gender or single sex services.
• Victims’ duration of support to be based on needs and not pre-set timescales.

2. Rights and access

• Victims are believed and listened to and service interventions are respectful of their rights to self-determination.
• Victims with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 can access dedicated specialist services addressing their needs (for example accessibility for disabled victims)
• Resources are allocated to addressing barriers to access, including supporting service users with limited English proficiency, and those with insecure immigration status.
• Services (including use of technology and virtual support) are informed by victims’ choice and delivered in a way that meet the needs and preferences of the victim group and /or individual and in a range of formats which are accessible and appropriate

3. Health and wellbeing – trauma informed

• Victims are supported to access services that meet their physical, mental, and sexual health needs.
• Victims are supported to access individual counselling or group work to build their confidence and resources.
• The organisation should work in partnership with and have appropriate referral pathways to a range of other services including the sexual violence sector, drugs, alcohol/mental health services.
• The safety, wellbeing and motivation of staff teams is attended to ensuring safe working practices that protect the physical safety and mental wellbeing of staff.

4. Stability, resilience, and autonomy

• Victims are supported to take charge of decision-making processes in their own lives.
• Victims are encouraged to identify goals and access education, training, and employment to maximise their stability and independence.
• Victims have access to resettlement and follow-up services with exit strategies tailored to individual need. This should include access to ongoing specialist support in the community as part of resettlement, including through partnerships and appropriate referral pathways.

5. Children and young people

• The safety and wellbeing of children and young people is addressed in risk assessment and support planning.
• Children are able to access support to understand their experiences and build their resilience and confidence.
• Support is provided to parents to develop their parenting resources and maintain their relationships with their children.
• Services are responsive to the needs and views of children and young people.

6. Prevention and repeat victimisation reduction

• Safety plan/advice includes advice and interventions to support victims in reducing the risk of returning to an abusive relationship.
• Children and young people are better informed and educated around consent, healthy relationships, gender inequality and violence against women and girls (which includes men and boys).
• The service provider assists development of wider training and awareness-raising activities with other professionals and within the local community, as requested, and as capacity allows.

1. Accommodation which is not managed by a local authority, private registered provider (usually known as a housing association), charity or voluntary organisation. ↩

2. This is permissible under the Domestic Abuse Support (Relevant Accommodation and Housing Benefit and Universal Credit Sanctuary Schemes) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 Part 2 2 (e). ↩

3. Referred to as Target Hardening in some areas. ↩

4. You are disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities. ↩

5. See more details of easy read. ↩

6. Information on trauma informed practice can be found via the following links: Trauma-informed practice: toolkit; The Women’s Mental Health Taskforce: final report; Engaging with complexity: Providing effective trauma-informed care for women. ↩