Housing Services Domestic Abuse Policy - Perpetrator accountability

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We recognise that perpetrating domestic abuse is a conscious choice made by perpetrators of abuse, and that for a long-term reduction in domestic abuse, perpetrator behaviour needs to be addressed.

Taking action against a perpetrator can potentially escalate the risk of harm to the victim or survivor, so we will be led by the wishes of the victim or survivor about any action we take against perpetrators.

The only exception to this will be where the perpetrator presents a high risk to the wider community – in these cases, we will consider and balance the wishes of the victim or survivor regarding taking action or not, with our safeguarding obligations.

If a perpetrator discloses harmful behaviour to us, we will offer to refer them to support services that can provide help or advice around behaviour change, such as RESPECT or locally commissioned perpetrator support.

It may be reasonable to require engagement with a behaviour change programme as part of a personal housing plan (PHP), or as a pre-requisite for the provision of accommodation where the perpetrator consents to behaviour change support.

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Where a perpetrator of domestic abuse is aged below 18, we will ensure that appropriate support is in place with child safeguarding services.

Perpetrating domestic abuse is a breach of our tenancy agreement and anyone responsible can face eviction. Any decision to evict a perpetrator will be led by the needs and wishes of the victim or survivor unless there is a wider risk to the community.

Under our allocations scheme, perpetrators of domestic abuse can be liable for removal from the housing register where they are found to be guilty of unacceptable behaviour including:

  • illegal or immoral behaviour
  • ongoing culpable involvement in criminal activities
  • threats of or actual violence.

Where arrears have accrued to a property because of domestic abuse in a joint tenancy, we can solely pursue perpetrators of abuse for these arrears, provided the victim or survivor feels that this would not increase the risk to them.

Where reasonable, we will support perpetrators of abuse who are eligible for housing assistance to secure accommodation, as many perpetrators of abuse who are homeless are likely to return to the victim or survivor's address and increase risk.

It may be beneficial to support a perpetrator of abuse with accessing supported accommodation, as perpetrators of abuse often have additional needs that they require support with that could reduce their risk of harmful behaviour.

Where perpetrators may be considered intentionally homeless having lost their accommodation because of their behaviour, we can use discretion to offer accommodation. This could be some distance from the victim or survivor, subject to availability of housing options.

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