What is the policy/strategy/function/trying to achieve/do?
The main aim of the policy is to ensure a proactive housing response to prevent and eradicate all forms of domestic abuse. It compliments existing Housing Domestic Abuse Operational Procedures and contributes to a number of key objectives, which include but are not limited to:
- Work collaboratively with women with lived experience of domestic abuse to ensure their voices are heard and shape housing services and policies.
- Work collaboratively with partners and stakeholders to identify ways in which we can take earlier, effective intervention and improve our response.
- Provide a trauma-informed responsive service to women and children who have experienced/experiencing domestic abuse
- To work with Registered Social Landlord partners and the wider housing sector to share learning and promote best practice in relation to domestic abuse.
- Support wellbeing amongst the housing workforce to ensure a supportive and trauma-responsive environment to effectively address domestic abuse across all sectors of society.
- To prevent and reduce adverse childhood experiences and provide safe and nurturing accommodation and support that can help children and families thrive.
In implementing this policy and achieving these objectives it is intended that inequalities will be reduced, and opportunities created which promote life chances for women and children affected by domestic abuse.
If this policy is subject to the FSD what does it suggest about the impact or potential impact on socio-economic disadvantage?
The Housing Domestic Abuse Policy will have a positive impact on socio-economic disadvantage. Evidence shows that women have lower incomes than men and domestic abuse presents additional risk in terms of financial circumstances, with financial and economic abuse often part of domestic abuse. Women who experience domestic abuse can also experience material deprivation as perpetrators can use control over finances and possessions to exert control over women, where women and children are unable to access basic goods and services that they need. This policy helps ensure women and children can access the support and services they need to reduce inequality, improve opportunities, and help tackle the deep-rooted, systemic gender inequalities that exist.
Give details of the impact it has on groups and individuals
The Housing Domestic Abuse Policy has a positive impact on several groups and individuals who share a protected characteristic. It has the most significant positive impact on women. Domestic abuse is a gendered crime, with women predominantly the victims of domestic abuse and men usually the perpetrators. The policy will also have a positive impact on age. Police Scotland statistics show that younger age groups (26-30 years of age) have the highest incident rate for victims of domestic abuse. However, it is recognised that not all domestic abuse is reported, and often is concealed. Statistics therefore only represent a partial representation of the full extent of the issue, which can make it difficult to estimate with full accuracy the scale of impact for other age groups.
The policy will also have a positive impact on disabled people and people with long-term health conditions. Research has shown that disabled women are more likely to experience domestic abuse and that women with disabilities also encounter differing dynamics of domestic abuse, which can include more severe coercion, control and abuse from carers. There are also additional barriers to support for disabled people.
Women from ethnic minority backgrounds also face additional challenges in escaping domestic abuse. There may be challenges associated with language barriers and difficulty in accessibility of information on services and supports. Women with ‘no recourse to public funds’ may find it difficult to escape abuse due to fear of being deported.
Pregnant women and new mothers may be more impacted, as evidence shows pregnancy as being a particular point of risk and trigger for domestic abuse. Research also shows that existing abuse may get worse during pregnancy or after birth.
LGBT+ people may face additional challenges due to barriers in accessing support and information, such as stigma and fear of disclosing information on sexuality.
People transitioning from one gender to another face challenges of a similar nature, in terms of accessing information and support, stigma and fear of disclosing.
People of different beliefs or religions can experience additional challenges, that can compound domestic abuse and make it more difficult to escape.
Children and families are disproportionately affected, as it affects women and children predominantly.
Domestic abuse is a leading cause of homelessness amongst women. People affected by homelessness will therefore be positively impacted by this policy.
What actions/measures will be put in place or are planned to mitigate any adverse impact or promote equality?
There is no adverse impact identified arising from this policy. This policy seeks to improve outcomes for women affected by domestic abuse. However, it does identify further opportunity as the policy is implemented and reviewed to involve women with lived and living experience.
What is the result/recommendations of the EqIA?
To introduce the policy, subject to annual review and monitoring.