Domestic abuse and social housing: a crucial moment for leadership and change

Housing providers have long been on the frontline of responding to domestic abuse. Every day, housing colleagues support residents experiencing abuse, help them access safety, and work alongside specialist agencies to rebuild lives. But there is a growing recognition that social housing is not just part of the response to domestic abuse – it is central to preventing homelessness, promoting recovery and creating pathways to independence.

As Chair of the National Housing Federation's Domestic Abuse Group, I am continually inspired by the commitment, expertise and innovation across our sector. Yet I also believe we are at a pivotal moment. The opportunities to influence policy, improve practice and strengthen outcomes for survivors have never been greater.

The unique role of social housing

For many survivors, housing is the difference between remaining trapped in an abusive situation and being able to leave safely. Secure, affordable housing provides the foundation from which people can recover, support their children and begin to rebuild their lives.

Housing associations often have trusted relationships with residents and are well placed to identify signs of abuse early. Colleagues working in housing management, repairs, customer services and supported housing all have opportunities to recognise concerns and provide appropriate support.

The sector has made significant progress over recent years. We have seen increased awareness, better staff training, stronger partnership working and a growing commitment to trauma-informed approaches. Many housing associations have also signed up to initiatives that demonstrate their commitment to supporting survivors and embedding good practice such as the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA).

However, demand continues to rise, and the complexity of need is increasing. This is reflected in homelessness data, which shows that thousands of households each year are assessed as homeless or at risk of homelessness due to domestic abuse. Survivors frequently face multiple challenges including mental health issues, financial hardship, homelessness risk and safeguarding concerns. This means housing providers must continue to develop their expertise and work collaboratively with partners.

A window of opportunity

There are several key opportunities ahead for the housing sector.

One of the most significant is the continuing work to ensure housing policy properly reflects the needs of domestic abuse survivors. Issues such as joint tenancies, allocations, homelessness prevention and access to specialist accommodation can all have a profound impact on someone's ability to escape abuse and sustain a safe home.

There is also an opportunity to ensure domestic abuse remains firmly embedded within the wider housing agenda. Consumer standards, tenancy sustainment, neighbourhood management and customer experience all intersect with domestic abuse. We must continue to recognise that supporting survivors is not solely a specialist housing issue - it is fundamental to delivering safe and effective housing services.

Alongside this, stronger collaboration between housing providers, local authorities, health services and specialist domestic abuse organisations offers real potential to improve outcomes. No single organisation can address domestic abuse alone. The best responses are built on partnerships that put survivors at the centre.

The role of the NHF Domestic Abuse Group

The National Housing Federation's Domestic Abuse Group plays an important role in helping the sector seize these opportunities.

The group exists to shape and promote policy and best practice for supporting victim-survivors of domestic abuse and acts as an expert steering group for the NHF's domestic abuse policy work. It brings together housing professionals from across the country who share a common goal: improving support for survivors and strengthening the sector's response to domestic abuse.

Our priorities include contributing to government consultations and calls for evidence, influencing work on issues such as joint tenancies and sharing learning and good practice with the wider NHF membership. We also work closely with other NHF member groups to ensure domestic abuse is considered across related housing policy areas.

What makes the group particularly valuable is the breadth of experience around the table. Members bring perspectives from supported housing, housing management, safeguarding, policy and frontline services. Together, we can identify emerging challenges, test ideas and help ensure that the voice of housing is heard in national discussions.

Importantly, the group is not just focused on influencing policy. We are equally committed to sharing practical learning. Through blogs, webinars and case studies, we aim to highlight effective approaches that can be adopted across the sector and help housing associations learn from one another.

Looking ahead

As we look to the future, I believe the housing sector has a real opportunity to drive meaningful change for survivors of domestic abuse.

But to do this, we must come together and work strategically to help end domestic abuse in our homes. It's crucial that together, housing associations:

• Champion survivor-centred approaches, listen to residents with lived experience and meaningfully co-create services.
• Strengthen partnership working, making sure referral pathways are clear for staff and building strong relationships with support organisations.
• Influence policy and driving change on key issues like joint tenancies.
• Invest in the skills and confidence of housing professionals, making sure staff have the tools to see when something isn't right and stand up for survivors.

Above all, we must all make sure domestic abuse remains a strategic priority for housing associations, across all aspects of housing delivery. The NHF Domestic Abuse Group will continue to support this work, providing a forum for expertise, challenge and collaboration. Together, we can help create a housing sector where every survivor is able to access the safety, stability and support they deserve.

Domestic abuse affects every community and every part of society. Housing cannot solve it alone, but it has an essential role to play. By working collectively and using the opportunities before us, we can make a lasting difference to the lives of survivors and their families.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or are concerned about someone else, support is available. You can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247 or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk for confidential advice and support.