Domestic abuse affects many people. If you need help, you can seek support from the helplines listed at the bottom.
Managing a block of flats is much more than looking after the bricks and mortar. This is home to many and provides feelings of safety and security. Sadly however, home is often the most dangerous place for people experiencing domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse is widespread and dangerous. In England and Wales, the police take on average 100 calls per hour related to domestic abuse, and two women a week are killed by their partner or ex-partner.
If you are overseeing residential buildings, you will have residents at risk of harm from their intimate partner or family member. This will most often impact women and children, but men can also be affected. Domestic abuse can take different forms, from verbal and emotional abuse, physical or sexual harm, coercive control or financial abuse using fear and intimidation.
What can I do?
Domestic abuse thrives in silence, so firstly raise awareness of it and make it less of a taboo subject to talk about. You can display posters or leaflets with helplines in communal areas or noticeboards or share information via residents' newsletters. Domestic abuse charity Refuge provides posters with the National Helpline number to download from their website.
You should ensure the building entry systems are safe, with light and where possible a video intercom to see who is accessing the building. This will help victims and survivors who have separated identify when ex-partners may be stalking and harassing them, and video records can be used as evidence to prevent perpetrators from entering their home.
How can I help someone?
As a property manager, you’re in a unique position to spot signs of domestic abuse. For example, complaints about noise nuisance, anti-social behaviour, or police callouts might all be related to domestic abuse incidents where someone is at serious risk of harm. There might also be signs in the building such as a forced door, a broken window or punch marks in the wall.
It can be difficult knowing what to do and you might be worried of doing the wrong thing and making matters worse. However, doing nothing enables abusers to go unchallenged, and no one wants to sit with the feeling that they could have done something to prevent the worst from happening.
If you worry a resident is at risk of domestic abuse, ask them about their situation in a safe environment, making sure they are alone and explaining you are here to help. Our guidance for Block Managers includes more details and practical tips on how to safely enquire about domestic abuse and how to respond safely if they disclose abuse. It is important not to confront the abuser(s) directly or telling them you know about the situation. This could put the victim more at risk.
Always believe and listen to someone disclosing abuse without judgement and tell them help is available. Provide them with contact numbers for national and local domestic abuse helplines and services. Leaving an abusive partner is very difficult because it can escalate abuse, so it is vital victims receive support from specialist professionals.
Domestic Abuse support helplines
National Domestic Abuse Helpline run by Refuge 0808 2000 247
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline run by Galop 0800 999 5428
Respect Helpline (for those who harm) 0808 8024040
If someone is at immediate risk of harm, call the police on 999
This article was written by Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse (STADA)
