Developed by Dr Kelly Henderson of Addressing Domestic Abuse in collaboration with SFHA members, the Self-Reflection Toolkit is an invaluable resource for housing professionals to identify and respond to domestic abuse and support victim-survivors.

Domestic abuse remains the most common form of violence against women and girls in Scotland and is also the main cause of homelessness for women and children.

According to Police Scotland, over 90% of the 63,867 incidents of domestic abuse recorded throughout the country in 2023-24 occurred in a home.

SFHA’s toolkit will include guidance on identifying patterns which may indicate signs of abuse, which may include noise complaints, rent arrears, or frequent home repairs, as well as the physical impacts.

Due to the nationwide presence of housing associations in Scotland’s homes and communities, social landlords are well-placed to identify signs of abuse but also to work with other agencies such as the police to respond to it and support victim-survivors.

SFHA chief executive, Sally Thomas, said: “This toolkit represents an invaluable piece of work to help housing associations identify and respond to domestic abuse, something which is unfortunately still all too necessary given the scourge of domestic abuse in our communities.

“We know that domestic abuse remains the leading cause of homelessness for women and children in Scotland and is also the most common form of violence against women and girls. Tackling this issue could not be more important.

“And as well as the toolkit, we look forward to providing webinars and training opportunities to ensure Scotland’s housing associations build on their work in addressing domestic abuse and supporting victim-survivors.”

Dr Kelly Henderson, founder and managing director for addressing domestic abuse, added: “It was a privilege to be commissioned by SFHA to develop the Self- Reflective Toolkit, I am grateful for their leadership on domestic abuse and housing. 

“I am indebted to those organisations and individuals who supported the development of the toolkit with their insight and knowledge about what housing providers would find most useful. 

“The Toolkit is a foundation, and I look forward to seeing further innovation across Scotland as housing providers develop and share their good practice as we know that safe, affordable housing is a key resource to victim-survivors.”