The policy sets out the council’s commitment to support tenants and residents affected by domestic abuse and recognises it is an unacceptable behaviour which will not be tolerated.

Aligned to the Chartered Institute of Housing’s ‘Make a Stand campaign,’ it has been developed by an inter-agency group comprising of North Ayrshire Council Housing Services, Cunninghame Housing Association, Irvine Housing Association, North Ayrshire Council’s Tenant Participation Team and North Ayrshire Women’s Aid.

The policy sets out to provide help to anyone in North Ayrshire who is at risk of or is experiencing domestic abuse and provides support to those who are worried about the wellbeing of another individual.

It demonstrates the council’s commitment as a social landlord – alongside partner organisations – to bring an end to domestic abuse in all its forms, ensuring tenants and residents know their rights and understand how to access the services they need, when they need them.

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, ambassador for White Ribbon Scotland and cabinet member for Green New Deal & Sustainability, commented: “At North Ayrshire Council, we are committed to protecting all of our residents and we recognise that sadly tenants in our homes can be affected by domestic abuse.

“This is why we have developed our Domestic Abuse Policy to pledge the council’s actions to provide support to victims in North Ayrshire and be sensitive and supportive towards any household experiencing domestic abuse and hold the perpetrators to account.

“It is for all North Ayrshire residents irrespective of tenure or gender and complements the individual domestic abuse policies of our partner organisations.

“The framework we have set out, sends a strong message that violence will never be tolerated, and we will take the actions necessary to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse and ensure that their needs are at the centre of our housing provision.”

The new Domestic Abuse Policy will pave the way to proactively prevent and address domestic abuse in North Ayrshire and the council will promote the help available from partner agencies to help victims of domestic abuse access support from organisations such as Women’s Aid and local counselling services so they can understand their rights.