We are delighted to have gained the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) accreditation for the 4th time in a row - the UK benchmark for how housing providers should respond to domestic abuse. We have now been accredited every 3 years since DAHA was founded in 2014.
The DAHA panel said we met all standards in each of the eight priority areas and exceeded expectation of the accreditation in some areas, creating a best practice model for accreditation. By becoming DAHA accredited, we are taking a stand to ensure we deliver safe and effective responses to domestic abuse.
The assessment consisted of a desktop review, review of our case management system and focus groups with colleagues and partner agencies. The assessors were impressed by our dedicated support teams which are customer support focussed.
Colleagues are equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to confidently identify, report, and respond well to domestic abuse survivors and perpetrators through relevant training, policies and procedures and strong relationships with partner agencies.
Julie Walker, Head of Service (Operations) who oversees Safety and Support, said: “Receiving this accreditation is a testament to the hard work of all colleagues at Gentoo, who are committed to the development of our ongoing support for our customers and survivors of domestic abuse. The teams have worked hard to ensure we are meeting the requirements and providing support above the standards expected.
“We are committed to continuing to improve, ensuring our colleagues feel confident and have the necessary knowledge and tools to support and safeguard our customers.”
DAHA is leading the housing sector's response to domestic abuse. The Department for Levelling up Housing & Communities (DLUHC) endorses DAHA as national best practice in the national Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy.
Shannon Hardy, DAHA Regional Lead (North East & Yorkshire) said: “We would like to congratulate Gentoo on achieving DAHA Accreditation!
“Gentoo have clearly demonstrated their commitment to the development of the ongoing support for survivors of domestic abuse within Sunderland. Staff members detailed the high level of support they either had received or could receive if they were experiencing domestic abuse or needed support for vicarious trauma while supporting others.
“We were particularly impressed with how Gentoo demonstrated a strong commitment to tenant support, with a dedicated Victim Support, Young Persons, and Positive Engagement Teams. Whilst having these in house teams Gentoo staff have demonstrated a high level of partnership working with local agencies and Domestic Abuse specialists, showing their commitment to being part of a co-ordinated community response to domestic abuse.
"External agencies gave strong praise to Gentoo's commitment to supporting tenants creatively in many different ways, including examples of meeting with survivors who were not Gentoo customers to help inspire hope for the future and help empower them with knowledge of their options.”
We deal with all domestic abuse claims confidentially and as a priority. To report domestic abuse, customers can:
- call us on 0191 525 5000 and select option 4 or call 0800 028 4445
- visit our domestic abuse web page for more information
- visit your local office
If you need urgent support or are in an emergency, you can call the police on 999 or 101.
