Birmingham City Councilโs Housing Team has been awarded bronze standard accreditation from the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance for its work supporting survivors of domestic abuse.
The national recognition highlights the councilโs commitment to providing safe, compassionate and survivor-led support for residents affected by domestic abuse.
Achieving the bronze standard is the councilโs first step in its continued commitment to support survivors, and it is already looking to apply for silver status.
Achieving Bronze means the council:
has strong and robust policies and procedures in place to offer the right support,
works closely with relevant partners to offer a range of support avenues,
has ensured staff have completed relevant training and development to support survivors, and
demonstrates it operates a survivor centred practice.
Assessors highlighted the councilโs commitment to helping survivors remain safely in their homes where this is their preferred option through the use of Sanctuary Schemes, security measures and civil orders. They also recognised the support available for survivors who choose to move, including assistance with housing options and financial support.
Councillor Baber Baz, cabinet member for housing, said:
The Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance setโs the UK benchmark for how housing providers should respond to domestic abuse.
The bronze standard recognises the significant progress we have made, and our ambition is to achieve the silver standard as soon as possible.
Domestic abuse can be a big driver of homelessness. With the two issues linked, it makes it important that our housing team is making strides to support survivors of Domestic Abuse, both to support their wellbeing as well as their access to a safe home.
I would like to say a big thank you to our staff who have worked hard to achieve this standard.
