Adherence to the Equalities and Diversity Act 2010 will be essential in the implementation of this policy and TMBC are committed to considering victim/survivors additional vulnerabilities.

TMBC are committed to meeting the needs of people from diverse backgrounds and have due regard to gender, age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity when dealing with those who approach the service.

TMBC will recognise the cultural implications and barriers of reporting DA and ensure that anyone who is experiencing DA can access our services.

TMBC understands that victim/survivors from the global majority may face additional challenges in reporting DA to statutory services such as police, social services or housing due to fears of institutional racism. This will be reflected in safety planning and support plans.

TMBC recognise that disabled women are twice as likely to experience domestic and are less likely to access support as the perpetrator can often be their carer. Furthermore, elderly victim/survivors face additional challenges in accessing support due to reduced mobility and social isolation.

There may be occasions where a victim/survivor has No Recourse to Public Funds or has insecure immigration status. In this case, housing officers will signpost to specialist services and legal advice.