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It is exactly one year today (18.07.2023) since Westward achieved accreditation with the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA). In that time we have supported 56 customers experiencing domestic abuse or coercive control.

This case study is just one example:

Our gas team were unable to get access to one of our properties to carry out an electrical safety check and passed this to the housing team who sought a court order for access. The court order was granted and the housing officer went to the property which was empty, so we had to make a forced entry.

Once inside it became clear from the damage and condition of the property that violence had been taking place in the home. The housing officer was concerned for the welfare of the resident and suspected possible domestic abuse. She re-attended with the electrical tradesperson and this time the female resident was there. They had a chat and the resident disclosed that her partner was an abuser. So from then the housing officer worked with the resident and referred the case to a multi-agency risk assessment conference group (MARAC) which includes police and social services as it was a high risk case. The housing officer continues to work with other agencies to help support the resident.

What can Westward do?

Westward staff are regularly reminded that if we all pull together, work as a team and know the signs of domestic abuse then we will be able to support more customers to enjoy a better quality of life. We offer a wide range of resources and training to colleagues to help them understand how to support customers in a sensitive but effective way and how to work with other agencies to ensure the best outcomes.

Partnership working – making a difference

We have dedicated contractors trained to work on any repairs required in a domestic abuse situation:

“WMS are proud that we can offer this rapid assistance to those in need when required. We take this work very seriously and glad that we can do our bit to help."

Greg Norman, Operations Manager, Westcountry Maintenance Services Ltd

As you can see in the example above, we have close ties with multi-agency partners MARAC - if Westward customers come to their attention they now contact us and we get involved so we can support more of our customers.

We are working with Cornwall Council to develop their Sanctuary scheme into a better way for people experiencing domestic abuse to be able to stay in their homes.

Housing officers have had updated domestic abuse and risk assessment training. We are represented on the domestic abuse and sexual violence group in Cornwall as well as our work with partners in Devon.

What if you are experiencing domestic abuse?

It is important to try and think how you might get help if you need it. You are not alone, we work with many services to support those who are affected by domestic abuse. Please read this link when you are able. Then we have collated information to help you make an informed decision on what to do next here.