Lisa Sutton, Head of Sustainable Communities at Bromsgrove District Housing Trust (bdht), said:

“The launch of the government’s landmark Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy and the commitment of over £1 billion to support survivors of domestic abuse is a critical move in the crackdown on violence against women and girls.

At bdht, we see first-hand the devastating link between domestic abuse and housing instability. The government’s data, showing that one in ten people facing homelessness are fleeing abuse, is a stark reality in communities like ours. We are particularly heartened by the nearly £500 million allocated for safe accommodation and the expansion of Sanctuary Schemes. These practical measures are essential because they empower survivors to remain safely in their own homes and maintain their vital local support networks, where it is safe to do so.

While the funding for counselling and children’s services is a significant step forward, the success of this strategy will depend on local delivery. We look forward to working closely with our local authority partners to ensure this new, streamlined funding reaches the front line in our community, providing a clear pathway for survivors to rebuild their lives in peace and security.

Our commitment to this cause is woven into the fabric of our service. This was most recently highlighted in our White Ribbon campaign, where we strived to break the silence surrounding domestic abuse and signpost people to life-saving help. We believe that as a housing provider, we are often the first point of contact in these situations and we must ensure that when survivors speak out, it is met with the support they need and deserve.

We are also striving for DAHA (Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance) accreditation. This standard will ensure that our staff are equipped with the most robust, informed tools to identify and support survivors at the earliest possible stage.”