We believe domestic violence is never acceptable and are committed to supporting victims of domestic violence or abuse. Incidents of domestic violence can be reported at any local neighbourhood housing office, where you will be taken seriously. We will involve the police and other support agencies, because many acts of domestic violence are crimes. We can also make a referral for emergency or temporary accommodation if you feel you cannot return to your own home.
We will provide translation and interpretation services free of charge.
We will where possible and appropriate, provide a female or male staff member.
The Sanctuary Scheme
We may be able to refer you to The Sanctuary Scheme, which supports victims of domestic violence to remain safely in their home, if they choose. A domestic violence co-ordinator will assess the property to see if it is feasible for you to remain in your home with the provision of additional security measures.
Tenancy Support Team
West North West Homes Leeds have recently created a team specifically to look at the support needs of their tenants. This team has been called The Tenant Support Team. The team will attempt to arrange a meeting with each vulnerable tenants and work with them in order to find appropriate support that will enable these tenants to live independently in their tenancy. This includes victims of domestic violence.
Each tenant will then be contacted on a quarterly basis in order to ascertain whether or not the agreed support plan is right for each individual or family, and to make changes to this support when they and/or the tenant feel this might be necessary.
The offer of support is always available from West North West Homes. Our self referral for is available from our website.
Repairs
Once you have reported an incident to the police and have a crime number, we will repair any damage caused to your home within our standard time targets.
We will change your locks as a priority or emergency repair depending on the level of threat you feel. You will not be charged for the service if you have a crime number. We will also seek to recharge the perpetrator. We understand that you may be worried about the safety of your home, and we will do our best to help you feel secure again.
Financial advice
Your financial situation may change as a result of separation from a partner or leaving your family home. If you wish, we will put a time limited electronic flag on your housing record so that our staff will understand that you have been a victim of domestic violence. This information will not be provided to a third party without your consent.
West North West Homes Leeds Benefit Advisers:
Armley & Bramley Area Office - Valerie Melville - Tel: 0113 2477053
Wortley Area Office - Jenny McClure - Tel: 0113 2477035
Pudsey Area Office - Natalie Manton - Tel: 0113 2474573
Kirkstall, Otley, Aireborough, Horsforth & Little London Office - Shirley Humphreys - Tel: 0113 2477264
Leeds Benefit Service - Tel: 0845 127 0113
Debt Advice:
Citizens Advice Bureau - 0870 120 2450
National Debt Line - 0808 808 4000
St Vincent's Support Centre - 0113 2484126
Consumer Credit Counselling Services - 0800 138 1111
You can also contact West North West Homes for advice. Don’t forget to have your income and outgoings details when you contact us so a full and fair assessment can be made.