Housing staff will be alert to domestic abuse and will understand that it could come to their attention through direct disclosure, a homelessness application or other factors such as anti-social behaviour complaints or frequent repairs.

TMBC recognises that victim/survivors are experts of their own experience. We recognise that victim/survivors require different levels of intervention, and we will never pressure them to accept pathways they are not comfortable with.

TMBC is committed to a survivor-centred approach:

  • This could include supporting victims/survivors to remain in their homes. Housing officers will provide guidance on legal options and can also make referrals to the Kent County Council SAFER Scheme. This target hardening scheme installs safety measures allowing victims/survivors to remain in their homes.
  • Where possible TMBC Housing will endeavour to provide appointments with an officer of the same sex if requested.
  • TMBC will arrange for interpreting services if a victim/survivor does not have English as a first language.
  • The victim/survivor can request to meet an officer in a safe location to make a disclosure or discuss housing options.
  • The victim/survivor can choose a safe contact method for officers to make contact.

Housing staff can also provide the following advice or options including:

  • Support victim/survivors to access refuge options through signposting to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline.
  • Refer or signpost victim/survivors to local DA services such as DAVSS, Look Ahead or the West Kent Domestic Abuse One-Stop Shop or other support services for benefits and legal advice.
  • Housing officers can also refer to the internal Housing IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor), who is trained in completing DASH risk assessments and will also refer high-risk cases to MARAC.
  • Refer or signposting victim/survivors to national organisations that provide specialist support to victim/survivors from the global majority, the LGBT+ community or those with specific vulnerabilities.

Presenting as homeless due to domestic abuse:

  • Victim/survivors fleeing domestic abuse can approach any local authority for housing assistance, they do not need a local connection.
  • Adhering to the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, all victim/survivors who are assessed as homeless due to domestic abuse and are eligible for assistance, will be granted automatic Priority Need and will be eligible for safe temporary accommodation.
  • Housing staff will work collaboratively with the victim/survivor to create a Personal Housing Plan (PHP) which reflects their needs.