New guidelines aim to enhance support for victim-survivors, ensuring safe housing and access to essential services
The Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) has introduced new national standards aimed at enhancing the response of housing providers to domestic and family violence.
The standards outline measures such as offering victim-survivors the opportunity to relocate when necessary, ensuring prompt maintenance of homes, and training staff to assist victim-survivors in accessing support services.
The guidelines encompass seven key areas: building a skilled workforce, facilitating support access for victim-survivors who are tenants, effective tenancy management and maintenance practices, monitoring operational performance, advocacy and community engagement, expanding housing services for victim-survivors, and governance.
CHIA chief executive Wendy Hayhurst (pictured left), alongside Justine Elliot (pictured right), assistant minister for social services and assistant minister for the prevention of family violence, officially launched the standards in Sydney.
“Domestic and family violence is the most common cause of homelessness and results in thousands of women and children turning to crisis accommodation each year,” Hayhurst said. “The availability of social and affordable rental housing is a key mechanism allowing them to escape and rebuild their lives.
“These national standards will help community housing organisations ensure that when victim-survivors are offered a permanent home, it is safe, secure and provides access to the support services they need. The standards will also help community organisations demonstrate their skills and expertise and provide assurance to tenants and other stakeholders that they respond effectively to domestic and family violence.”
Simone Parsons, chief operating officer of Bridge Housing, also highlighted the standards’ role in enabling providers to continually improve their practices.
“We have seen a year-on-year surge in women and children escaping domestic and family violence who need a safe, stable home where they can rebuild their lives,” Parsons said. “These standards will assist us to respond and support victim-survivors by placing them at the centre of what we do, providing inclusive services and collaborating with DFV specialists.”
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