Housing staff add voices to domestic violence campaign - The Worcester Observer

Housing staff add voices to domestic violence campaign

Worcester Editorial 28th Nov, 2017   0

WORCESTERSHIRE’s largest social landlord is backing an international campaign to end domestic violence.

Fortis Living – which provides more than 15,000 homes throughout Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire – is supporting The 16 Days of Action, which began globally on Sunday.

The campaign will run until Human Rights Day on December 10 and aims to raise awareness and ultimately end violence against women and girls.

During the campaign employees from Fortis Living will show their support by undergoing specific training by West Mercia Women’s Aid, enabling frontline staff to recognise the signs of domestic abuse, how to support victims and refer them to specialist agencies.




Fortis staff will also join forces with members of the DAWN project – which is run by Worcester Community Trust and is a free confidential and non-judgmental service for women who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse – to promote the campaign.

Next year the organisation will start the process to become accredited within best practice guidelines as set out by The Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance, a national body which aims to improve the housing sector’s response to domestic abuse.


Having established the first accreditation for housing providers, as a member of DAHA, Fortis Living will aim to always deal with victims of domestic abuse in a fair, patient and consistent manner.

It will also show its commitment to the issue as well as providing ongoing employee training.

Tenancy Services Manager, Jon Elger said: “As a social landlord we have a commitment and determination to help and support our tenants.

“This includes recognising and dealing with reports of domestic abuse. Supporting campaigns like this is critical to our work.”

The Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence co-ordinates and supports the campaign and has had some excellent results.

During the last year calls to the domestic abuse helpline rose by 26.8 per cent; in addition the police have seen a rise in reporting, confirming victims trust and confidence in doing so.

Martin Lakeman, Strategic Co-ordinator at The Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence said : “We are heartened by the commitment and dedication of organisations such as Fortis Living and are delighted that they are supporting the campaign.

“Highlighting the very real danger of domestic abuse is a vital element in tackling the issue.

“Many women find it extremely difficult to leave abusive relationships; there is so much support out there for them and their children and as we embark on the 2017 16 Days of Action campaign, we urge them not to suffer in silence,.”

Call Martin Lakeman on 01905 822357 or e-mail [email protected] for further information about The Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence.

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