At believe housing, we want everyone to feel safe and supported in their home.
That’s why we’ve renewed our promise to the Chartered Institute of Housing’s Make a Stand pledge, alongside other members of the North East Housing Partnership.
Domestic abuse can take many forms, including emotional, financial, physical violence, and often includes coercive control, which makes it hard for victims to seek help. Financial abuse can also be a barrier to leaving. These situations are complex and can have far-reaching effects on families and communities.
Kelly Henderson, a board member at believe housing and a nationally recognised expert on housing and domestic abuse, has spent over 25 years working to ensure survivors’ voices shape policy and practice.
She said: “Housing providers are uniquely placed to recognise and respond to domestic abuse in homes in our day-to-day interactions and in developing trust with our customers. “We can be the first point of contact for someone to access the specialist support they need. This can be life changing for a victim survivor and in some cases, it can be lifesaving.”
At believe housing, our approach is simple: we put people first. We do not make decisions for them; we help them stay in control and get the support they need. If a victim wants to leave, we help them find a safe place. If they choose to stay, we look at ways to make them feel safer where they live, such as adding better locks or security lights.
We will take enforcement action when it is safe and appropriate to do so, and we will also engage with perpetrators who accept and want to change their behaviour by referring them to support pathways.
As a housing provider, we are not the main experts, so we work closely with specialist organisations like Harbour, Wearside Women in Need, and Wear Valley Women’s Aid. They provide expert advice and services, while we make sure customers can access that help quickly and confidently.
If we ever believe someone is at serious risk of harm, we work with trusted safeguarding partners to help keep them safe. This is always done with care and sensitivity.
Our colleagues are trained to spot the signs of domestic abuse and know how to respond. For employees affected in their home life, we offer confidential support and can arrange counselling and other help.
And we ensure support is accessible and inclusive for all, including those who may face additional barriers.
The difference this makes is clear in the words of those we have supported:
“The support I received was really good. Faye (an Urgent Support Coordinator at believe housing) felt like a natural, caring person, and she gave me the right tools and understanding. She explained things in a way that made sense to me. When I was in the women’s refuge, I didn’t feel judged. Everyone was unbiased, well-trained, and genuinely there to help.”
Others told us:
“It is early days for me, but I’m starting to feel life is settling down for me and feeling safer now.”
“Brilliant, absolutely perfect the way they supported me… they gave me a positive mind.”
We also focus on prevention and awareness. Through campaigns like UN Women’s 16 Days of Action and White Ribbon Day, training for all colleagues, and tools like our Something Not Right app, we make sure our teams can spot abuse and respond quickly.
Our approach follows the principles of the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA), the UK benchmark for housing providers tackling domestic abuse. Last year, we supported more than 400 customers affected by domestic abuse, and those cases are increasing in number and complexity.
Sam Humble, Assistant Director of Neighbourhoods, said: “Keeping customers and colleagues safe is at the heart of everything we do. Our role is to support people, respect their choices, and help them reach a place of safety with the right advice and services. “And we continue to build on this work, renewing our commitment and regularly reviewing our policies and procedures so anyone affected knows they can turn to us for help when they need it most.”
Families living close to the County Durham coast are learning how to care for their local marine environment, thanks to funding from believe housing.
Read in full
A County Durham village is honouring its fallen this Remembrance period with a striking poppy installation.
Read in full
Residents are being urged to stay alert following reports of illegal money lenders – known as loan sharks – operating in County Durham.
Read in full
We know that managing money can be stressful, especially when energy bills keep rising. That’s why we’re supporting Talk Money Week, a national campaign to get people talking about money.
Read in full
