Residents given domestic violence support

Affordable housing provider Rushcliffe Homes is urging victims of domestic violence: “Don’t suffer in silence.”

The housing association used National Domestic Violence Week at the start of December, which highlights the plight of tens of thousands of people who are attacked by their partners each year, to highlight the services it has on offer to help residents living with the threat of violence from their partner.

Nationally, domestic violence accounts for around 15 per cent of violent crime, 31 per cent of all violence against women and five per cent of all violence against men.

One in four women and one in six men will be a victim of domestic violence in their lifetime. (*)

Sue Davies, senior housing officer with Rushcliffe Homes, said: “As a responsible landlord, we have a duty to ensure help and guidance is available for any residents who need it.

“We have people who can offer advice and support to both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence, and wanted to raise awareness of this.

“Domestic abuse is a breach of Rushcliffe Homes’ tenancy agreement. Victims may therefore choose to report offenders to us. We can also offer advice to victims about what assistance they may be able to get to enable them to either remain safely in their own home or secure alternative accommodation away from the perpetrator.”

An individual who requires emergency re-housing as result of domestic abuse should contact the council in the first instance for appropriate advice and assistance. Local authorities have a legal responsibility to assist certain vulnerable homeless households. Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Housing Options Team can be contacted by telephone on 0115 981 9911.

Ruschliffe Homes can be reached on 0115 977 5300.

Ends

Press release issued: December 12 2006