This policy outlines the approach all H&F housing services will take in cases of domestic abuse. It applies to victims, survivors and perpetrators who are residents of the borough and those who approach the borough for housing and homelessness assistance.
Housing services will work in line with the statutory definition of domestic abuse outlined in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
Domestic abuse affects all people regardless of:
- sex
- gender reassignment
- age
- sexuality
- race
- ethnicity
- socio-economic status
- background.
And this policy applies to all victims and survivors.
However, domestic abuse disproportionately impacts women and girls, with national data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showing that women are twice as likely to experience domestic abuse than men.
ONS domestic abuse in England and Wales overview - November 2023
The policy refers to 'survivors', 'victims' and 'victim and survivor' to describe people experiencing abuse.
'Perpetrator' refers to someone who has abused their ex, partner or a family member. Some survivors may use the term 'abuser' or 'abusive partner or family member'.
'Officers' refers to Hammersmith & Fulham Council staff.
Any reference to 'we', 'our' or 'us' refers to Hammersmith & Fulham Council's housing department.