Support for Professionals
Additional points on housing options available
- Always prioritise safety when discussing a client's housing options. Remember that the client knows her own situation and the perpetrator far better than you do and so is in a better position to assess the suitability, viability and potential risk which the different options may create. Encourage and empower your client to make her own (informed) decisions wherever possible.
- Do not rush clients into making quick decisions about long- term housing issues. This is an important area in her life and her decisions are likely to have significant long - term implications.
- Remember that the Code of Guidance 2006 attached to the 1996 Housing Act specifies that housing authorities 'may wish to inform applicants of the option of seeking an injunction. However housing authorities should recognise that injunctions will not always be effective in deterring perpetrators... Applicants should not automatically be expected to return home on the strength of an injunction'. You should never tell a client that s/he must apply for an injunction as this can in some cases increase the client's risk of violence and is not a guarantee of safety. Injunctions can also be expensive.
- Never contact the perpetrator to discuss a client's homeless application as this could place her at further risk and is in breach of the Code of Guidance.
- You may wish to give clients information about the Sanctuary Project which can support clients who want to remain in their homes to do so more safely. However, as with injunctions, this should not be presented to the client as a guarantee of safety as a client (and her children) may still face violence from her ex partner when they go out of their home.
- If you are working with a client making a homeless application ask them whether they have spoken to anyone else about their experience of domestic violence. Do not ask them if they have any "proof" or "evidence" of domestic violence as this is not required under the Housing Act and could make them feel as though they are on trial and that you do not believe what they are saying. This could be very damaging to a client experiencing domestic violence who may already have had negative responses to disclosures of domestic violence.
If the client says she has spoken to other agencies ask her whether you and/or she can get in touch with them to see if they can write a letter confirming that they are aware she has experienced domestic violence. If a client has statements from agencies such as the NHS, the courts and/or the police you should not need any further information about her experience of domestic violence. Recounting experiences of domestic violence can be very stressful for clients and may not be necessary.
- If a client has not been involved with other agencies (which is the case for many clients escaping domestic violence) then it is unhelpful to say that she should have approached these agencies when she was experiencing the violence. This could make a client think or feel that you expect her to return to a situation of violence in order to gain documentation. This could put a client
and/or her children at risk.
- If you are working with a client who is currently in an abusive relationship advice her to consider approaching appropriate
support agencies as this could be useful to support any possible future housing applications and/or court disputes.
- Always try to offer clients a confidential space in which to talk and ensure that any waiting areas used are also going to be safe for each client
- Never interview clients about domestic violence issues in front of their children as this is inappropriate and is likely to limit the information exchanged. This could also put the family at risk as the children may give information discussed in the interview to the perpetrator. If you know in advance that a client is coming in ask her to try to arrange childcare beforehand. If a client comes with children (which may be unavoidable) you may need to use written forms of communication to ensure appropriateness and safety and may also need to organise a further session when the children will not be there.
- Always check that any action you are taking is appropriate to the needs of the client and ensure that your client has a clear understanding of any action agreed by either party.
- If you only have a limited amount of time to offer a client be clear about this (and explain why) from the beginning so that the client doesn't feel that you are rushing her and/or not interested in her and her situation. If there is insufficient time available try to arrange a follow up session.
- Be careful when you phone or write to client that this is not putting her at risk. Check that it is safe to contact her by phone and/or post and work appropriately to prioritise safety at all times. Some clients may need to establish a code word or phrase which clarifies whether or not it is safe for them to talk.
- Always ensure that you offer confidentiality to clients affected by domestic violence as breaches of confidentiality (even accidental ones) can put clients in danger. Never give out information on clients to cold callers (where you do not know the person making the enquiry). Do not even acknowledge that you have heard of the client as this could identify where she is and place her at further risk of violence. If in doubt as to who a caller is ask them to send you a letter with full contact details explaining who they are and what information they want and why they need this information. If you are unclear as to whether this is a legitimate and valid enquiry check with your client before responding. It is better to be safe than sorry!
- Remember that this is probably a very stressful time for your client/s. Try to work in an understanding and empathetic way. If a client seems to be getting upset, frustrated or angry try to acknowledge this and ask what, if anything, your client would like you to do to help. If a client asks for something which is not in your power or role to provide explain why you are not able to provide this (even if you would like to) and see whether there is any other service who may be better able to meet this need.
- It is unlikely that any one agency is going to be able to meet all the needs of a client experiencing domestic violence. If a client needs advice and/or support which you are not able to offer then refer her to a more appropriate service.
- If you are unsure about what action is most appropriate seek advice and support and be as honest with your client/s as possible. It is better to tell a client that you will need to get further advice than to pretend you know something you do not.
- Remember that you are responsible for giving good advice and support appropriate to your role. You are not responsible for a client's experience of domestic violence. If you are finding your work stressful try to get support from your colleagues/supervisor.
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