The SFHA has joined hundreds of organisations in the social housing sector across the UK by signing up to the Make a Stand campaign.

The campaign was launched in 2018 by the Chartered Institute of Housing, in partnership with the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance and Women’s Aid.

One in five women experience domestic abuse during their life, and two women are killed by their partner or ex-partner every week.

As social housing providers house, and employ, millions of people across the UK, many of whom will be affected by domestic abuse, they are in a prime position to affect positive change. By signing up to the campaign, they are committing to supporting people who are experiencing domestic abuse.

Organisations that do not provide homes but still work in, and around, the housing sector can support the campaign. By signing the Supporters’ Pledge, SFHA will:

• Make information about national and local domestic abuse support services available on its website and in other appropriate places
• Develop an HR policy to support members of staff who may be experiencing domestic abuse
• Appoint a champion to promote the campaign internally and to members.

The SFHA has named policy lead Zhan McIntyre as its champion.

She said: “I am immensely proud to take this initiative forward at SFHA and with our members. By signing up to these pledges, SFHA is taking steps to provide the necessary help and advice for employees experiencing domestic abuse.

“We would urge all of our members to Make a Stand today and publicly commit to taking action to support their customers and workforce who are victims of domestic abuse.”