Council to adopt 'zero tolerance' abuse policy

A Surrey council is poised to introduce a domestic abuse housing policy to help support victims and safeguard vulnerable residents.

Tandridge District Council (TDC) representatives are being asked to approve the plan at a housing committee meeting next week.

While council housing services and partner organisations currently help support victims of domestic abuse, the authority has no overarching strategy on the matter, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The policy states that the council would adopt a "zero-tolerance approach" to domestic abuse, placing the safety of victims and children at the centre of all decisions and actions.

A council officer's report said: "The development of this policy supports TDC's commitment to adopting a consistent, victim-focused response and ensuring residents can access appropriate support and housing assistance when experiencing abuse."

Setting out the council's approach, it stated that staff should be trained to recognise the signs of domestic abuse and be able to act "seriously and sensitively, ensuring that services are delivered in a manner that does not blame or disadvantage victims, regardless of their background or circumstances".

It added that the council would work in partnership with specialist agencies to provide coordinated support and intervention, promote awareness and understanding and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

The policy said it aimed to ensure people could flag domestic abuse incidents in accessible ways, with options to raise reports by phone, email, internet, in person, or through a third-party.

It also made clear that anyone in immediate danger or in an emergency should call 999.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, X, and Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Surrey on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.