One of our operatives went to a home to uncap the gas, but they were worried by what they saw. He spotted damage in the home and when he spoke to the customer, she said that her ex-partner had caused it.

He reported this to one of our work planners, who spoke to the customer and contacted team members who could help.

Our safeguarding and domestic abuse coordinator was able to get enough information to assess any risk to our employee and make support services aware. We quickly arranged an emergency lock change and an urgent repair to fix the damage. Other Repairs team members who’ve previously supported this customer, who’s at high risk of domestic abuse, also helped to make sure the home was safe.

Leann, our Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Coordinator, wants to remind people that: “Domestic abuse comes in many forms and isn’t always easy to spot. It can look like someone controlling your money, smashing things to intimidate you or physical violence.”

If you need help, please contact us. We have lots of information about services that can support you.

We’re also working towards DAHA accreditation, a UK benchmark looking at how housing providers should respond to domestic abuse. This enables us to be in the best position to offer as much help as we can and save lives.