Barnet Homes has been awarded the bronze and silver standard from the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA).

Barnet Homes is just one of a small number of housing providers in London to obtain the silver award, which highlights the borough’s commitment to providing effective, caring and consistent responses to domestic abuse.

The award covers both housing management and housing options (homelessness services) and displays Barnet’s commitment to supporting those affected by domestic abuse throughout its housing processes.

DAHA sets the standard for how housing providers identify, support and respond to those affected by domestic abuse in a safe, compassionate way, which is led by survivors.

Barnet Homes is now working towards the gold award, and will build on the foundations already in place by achieving bronze and silver.

Barnet Homes is committed to supporting survivors of domestic abuse and their families. For more than a decade, we have worked with specialist providers to deliver a range of support services for survivors and those at risk of DA. In particular:

  • Our DA refuge Minerva House has helped many of our residents with a temporary place to stay, and to access support from specialist partners including Solace Women’s Aid, as they recover and plan next steps.
  • Our Domestic Abuse Team provides dedicated, tailored support to DA survivors – to remove survivors from harm, support their recovery and facilitate their resettlement into safe accommodation. The team handholds survivors through Barnet Homes’ housing assessment pathway, and provides 1-2-1 floating support to help survivors to access the services they need to recover.
  • Our multi-agency One Stop Shop is a weekly drop-in service where DA survivors can access advice, support and safety planning from a range of specialist partners. These partners include: family law and immigration solicitors, housing officers, anti-social behaviour officers, independent domestic abuse advisors and welfare benefit advisors.

Kate Laffan, The Barnet Group’s Director of Resident Services said: “We are delighted to confirm that Barnet Homes has just achieved the Silver Standard of accreditation from the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance. DAHA sets the standard for how housing providers identify, support and respond to those affected by domestic abuse in a safe, compassionate way, and their accreditation is recognised as best practice by the Government.

“While the accreditation has focused on Barnet Homes’ Housing Management and Housing Options Services, training and guidance has also been rolled out to our Repairs Operatives and Gas Engineers, because DA is everybody’s business.