SLH joins national campaign to tackle domestic abuse
South Lakes Housing has pledged its support to a new national domestic violence campaign called Make a Stand. The campaign was launched by Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) in partnership with Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) and Womens Aid to help tackle domestic abuse within UK communities, including here in South Lakeland.
Nationally, domestic abuse has increased by almost 11% and regionally, Cumbria Police on average, deal with over 17 incidents of domestic abuse every day. South Lakes Housing currently support around 20 tenants (both female and male) who are experiencing domestic abuse.
South Lakes Housing has signed up to the four commitments detailed within Make a Stand, including;
- Putting in place a policy to support residents who are experiencing domestic abuse
- Making information about national and local domestic abuse support services available for residents and staff
- Developing Human Resources policies to support members of staff who are experiencing domestic abuse
- Appointing a champion within South Lakes Housing to support people experiencing domestic abuse.
South Lakes Housings Domestic Abuse Champion, Vicky Battista says By signing up to Make a Stand it shows our customers and staff that we are here to provide support and guidance in helping those experiencing domestics abuse towards a brighter future.
Alison Inman, CIH president, said: Im thrilled that South Lakes Housing has signed the Make a Stand pledge as this could make a very real difference in local communities. Housing organisations house and employ millions of people and it is our duty to do more to tackle this issue.
Kelly Henderson, co-founder of DAHA, said: We are very proud to be part of this pledge and commend South Lakes Housing for signing up. We know the housing sector plays a crucial role in recognising and responding to domestic abuse.
Katie Ghose, chief executive of Womens Aid, said: For thousands of women and children across the country, their home is the most dangerous place they can be. By signing South Lakes Housing has sent out a powerful message to survivors of domestic abuse that they are not alone and that there is help and support available to them.
