The Association has successfully implemented a new Domestic Abuse Policy, strengthening its commitment to supporting tenants – both men and women - affected by domestic abuse and embedding good practice across its services.

The policy was developed with input from specialist organisations including Addressing Domestic Abuse and Glasgow Women’s Aid and involved Thenue’s local “Area Associations” – residents’ groups operating in the communities where Thenue has its homes

To support the implementation of the policy, Thenue worked with a number of groups to deliver training and awareness sessions.

Addressing Domestic Abuse delivered a series of sessions, which were made available to all staff, aimed at increasing understanding of domestic abuse, coercive control and trauma-informed responses.

In addition, Glasgow Women’s Aid delivered specialist sessions for relevant frontline housing teams, while Share and Thenue’s legal advisers provided further training to help staff understand the practical implications of domestic abuse legislation and the evolving role of housing providers in supporting those affected.

Thenue’s Income Management and Financial Inclusion teams have also completed specialist training on “economic abuse”, helping staff better understand how domestic abuse can impact an individual’s financial circumstances, independence and wellbeing.

Staff who completed the training have also become part of the Economic Abuse Response Network, providing access to ongoing learning, resources and sector-wide good practice.

To further raise awareness and encourage customers to seek support, Thenue has developed a new domestic abuse information leaflet highlighting the support available from the Association and signposting customers to specialist organisations.

Building on this work, Thenue also intends to work towards accreditation through the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) framework as it is rolled out in Scotland, further strengthening the Association’s approach to supporting people affected by domestic abuse.

Donna Henderson, chief executive of Thenue Housing, said: “Domestic abuse can have a devastating impact on individuals and families, and housing providers have an important role to play in ensuring that people can access support safely and confidently.

“The introduction of our new Domestic Abuse Policy, alongside a significant programme of staff training and partnership working, demonstrates Thenue’s commitment to creating an environment where people feel able to seek support and staff have the knowledge and confidence to respond appropriately.

“Thenue is grateful to the organisations which supported the Association in developing this work and helping us strengthen the support available to our customers.”

Pamela McLevy, income maximisation manager at Thenue Housing, added: “Economic abuse is often less visible than other forms of domestic abuse, but it can have a significant and lasting impact on a person’s financial security, independence and ability to move forward.

“Through specialist training, our Income Management and Financial Inclusion teams have developed a greater understanding of the signs and effects of economic abuse and how we can support customers who may be experiencing it.

“Membership of the Economic Abuse Response Network allows us to continue learning from good practice across the sector and strengthen the support available to our customers.”