What is a domestic abuse policy

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Why this policy matters

Domestic abuse affects people from all walks of life and is one of the leading causes of homelessness and housing insecurity in the UK. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), around 2.1 million adults experience domestic abuse every year, and one in four women and one in six men will experience it at some point in their lives. For many, their housing provider may be the first or only place they feel able to seek help.

As a London-based local authority, we have a crucial role to play in recognising the signs of abuse, offering safe and supportive responses, and ensuring victims and survivors can access housing and specialist support when they need it most.

What this policy means for residents

• You can expect a person-centred, confidential, and non-judgmental response if you disclose domestic abuse.

• Staff will listen, believe, and respond quickly, ensuring you receive the right help and advice for your situation.

• We will work with specialist services to ensure you can access legal, housing, and emotional support.

• You will have choices about how and when to engage with us, and who you speak to (for example, requesting an officer of a specific gender).

• You can be confident that we will take every disclosure seriously and act to protect your safety and wellbeing — including that of any children involved.

How this policy helps residents

• It provides clear, safe routes to report domestic abuse and get the right support early.

• It ensures staff are trained, empathetic, and equipped to respond effectively.

• It helps remove barriers to support for people with language, cultural, or accessibility needs.

• It links residents directly to specialist services that can help them make informed choices about safety, housing, and legal options.

How this policy helps the council

• It supports our work to achieve DAHA accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to best practice in responding to domestic abuse.

• It helps us build a safer, more inclusive community where residents feel supported and confident to come forward.

• It strengthens partnership working with the police, health services, and voluntary sector to protect victims and prevent harm.

• It ensures our staff can respond consistently, compassionately, and in line with safeguarding and legal duties.

Why we’re consulting

We want to make sure our Domestic Abuse Policy reflects the needs of our residents and the people who deliver our services. Your feedback will help us ensure the policy is clear, accessible, and effective, and that it gives everyone confidence to report domestic abuse and know they will be listened to, supported, and believed.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse

If you or someone you know in Westminster is currently experiencing domestic abuse of any kind, there is support and help available.

• If you or anyone you know is in immediate danger and it is an emergency, please contact the police on 999 to report the domestic abuse. 
• You can also call the National Domestic Abuse hot line This is available 24/7. Tel contact: 0808 2000 247
• You can also get specialist advice from the Angelou partnership. Tel contact: 0800 059 0108
• If you are Council tenant and require assistance please contact your housing officer on 0800 358 3783 or email housing.enquiries@westminster.gov.uk
• If you are in temporary accommodation and require assistance, please contact 0207 641 1000 or visit hssplacements@wcchss.org.uk
• In all other cases for anyone living in Westminster, please contact customerservices@westminster.gov.uk and an officer will be happy to assist. Alternatively visit our website Homelessness and domestic abuse | Westminster City Council for information on support available.