Indicators of Domestic Abuse in the Home

A guide to help housing providers and property professionals recognise possible indicators of domestic abuse in the home, so concerns are less likely to be missed when staff are carrying out visits, repairs or other work inside a property.

The guide includes practical examples of physical signs in the property, wider warning signs that may sit alongside them, and signposting to relevant domestic abuse support services.

What's included? Download now

What's included?

  • A practical guide to potential indicators of domestic abuse that may be visible during visits to a person’s home.
  • Examples of physical warning signs in a property, including repeated repair damage, broken locks, damaged bathroom doors, removed internal handles and damage that goes beyond normal wear and tear.
  • Guidance on reporting concerns, including when to escalate immediately and when to share concerns with relevant housing or property contacts.
  • Wider signs that may add context, such as noise nuisance reports, rent arrears, changes in tenant behaviour and evidence of physical harm.
  • Advice and guidance links from the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance for landlords, housing providers, letting agents and risk assessment.
  • Signposting to specialist domestic abuse and economic abuse support services, including options for women, men, older people, younger people and LGBT+ tenants.

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