We have no room for domestic abuse
If you're experiencing domestic abuse, it's really important to talk to someone about it. We’re here to help you so you don't have to face it alone.
All photographs in this article: © Laura Dodsworth
If you feel unsafe in your home, we will listen to you and do everything we can to better your situation and keep you safe.
Almond Housing Association takes domestic abuse extremely seriously and has implemented a dedicated domestic abuse policy. Since June 2018 we have been signed up to the Chartered Institute of Housing’s Make a Stand pledge, and this new policy is part of our commitment to take action to support tenants who are victims of domestic abuse.
Do you feel unsafe in your home? This is how we can help you
What is domestic abuse?
A home should provide safety and security, but for many people home is anything but safe.
Domestic abuse is controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and/or violent behaviour perpetrated by a partner or an ex-partner. It can begin at any stage during the relationship or after a relationship has ended.
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, both women and men, and in all types of relationships – heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.
It can include, but it is not limited to:
- coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence)
- psychological and/or emotional abuse
- physical abuse
- sexual abuse
- financial abuse
- harassment
- stalking
- abuse via phone or social media
How can we help?
Almond HA will provide support and assistance to victims of domestic abuse.
We will listen to you and with your permission make referrals to specialist support agencies such as Womens’ Aid, Mankind and West Lothian Council's Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Service.
We will assist you to remain in your home where it is safe to do so and can undertake a range of measures to help you feel safer in your home such as fitting external lighting, additional door locks and security chains.
When victims need to move
If victims need to move we will do all that we can to assist in identifying alternative accommodation. We do not have emergency provision but can support you in contacting Womens’ Aid and will retain a duty of care to you should you wish to be re-housed by Almond Housing Association.
Our pledge
Our Domestic Abuse Policy is our promise to our tenants that we will take action to support those who are experiencing domestic abuse in their home.
We've worked in partnership with Scottish Womens’ Aid to develop our Domestic Abuse Policy and still work closely with this expert charity in addition to a range of other support organisations.
you can also contact
Women's Aid (for women experiencing domestic abuse)
AMIS (for men experiencing domestic abuse)
West Lothian Council's Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Team
SEE ALSO