The CIH shine a spotlight on our domestic abuse support services

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) have published an interview with Heather Downer, our Head of Domestic Abuse Services, as part of their coverage of the 16 days of action against gender-based violence.

The CIH is a professional membership organisation for people who work in housing, providing an independent voice for the sector as well as qualifications and continuous professional development for its members.

Heather’s interview is available in ‘CIH Unlocked’ a members-only newsletter which is published fortnightly.

The interview focuses on our Places of Safety scheme which currently provides temporary accommodation, reserved for survivors of domestic abuse who are homeless, across Gloucestershire. We have recently been successful in winning a bid to expand the scheme across the county and Heather describes the benefits of partnership working to deliver support for those experiencing or at risk of experiencing domestic abuse.

Throughout the interview Heather also talks about the vital work that our domestic abuse services do across the West Midlands and South West to assist people at all levels of risk and provide post-trauma support.

The 16 days of action against gender-based violence campaign begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and runs through to International Human Rights Day on 10 December.

We’re backing the 16 days of action this year and will be supporting Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) who are coordinating a range of activities throughout the duration of the campaign.

If you are a member of the CIH you can read the interview here.