TMBC recognises the importance of equipping staff with the knowledge and skills to respond to DA cases and providing a consistent standard across the housing service.

TMBC will provide training on domestic abuse awareness to all staff. Staff should have a competent understanding of Children and Adult Safeguarding and an awareness of other forms of VAWG such as female genital mutilation and honour-based violence.

Subject to funding TMBC will employ a specialist Housing IDVA role, who will be based in the TMBC Housing service. The Housing IDVA will provide specialist DA advice and complete DASH risk assessments and safety planning. TMBC will also employ a Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator role who will provide operational and strategic direction (subject to funding)

Housing staff will be well informed on referral pathways to local DA services, MARAC and have understand the DASH risk assessment.

TMBC will ensure that staff feel confident responding in an emergency or where immediate risk is identified.