Housing Domestic Abuse Policy

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Consultation has concluded

We are consulting on a draft Housing Service Domestic Abuse Policy. This is an important consultation, and we want to know any information that can help us improve how we deliver our service. This will help all of those involved find housing security and support.

Your views on the draft Housing Domestic Abuse Policy

The draft Housing Domestic Abuse Policy applies to:

  • all Moray Council tenants living in a property owned by the Housing Service; and
  • any person looking for housing options, homeless or housing information and advice and / or assistance because of domestic abuse.

The draft policy explains how the Housing Service responds to domestic abuse. It:

  • offers a safe and supportive response, which is sensitive to trauma;
  • follows national guidance, meets legal duties and works with partners to protect victims / survivors and support their recovery;
  • sets out the Housing Service’s commitment to treating everyone affected by domestic abuse with fairness and respect. This includes women, children, and people of any sex, gender, or relationship, using an approach that recognises their rights and the different ways abuse can affect them.
  • deals with people who commit domestic violence and live in Moray Council housing; and
  • acts quickly when risks are identified to keep people safe.

You do not need to register with Moray Engage to take part in this survey. If you choose not to register your responses will be completely anonymous.

All responses are confidential.

If you choose to register with Moray Engage we'll collect personal data including your email address and any additional demographic information you choose to provide such as your name, age, gender identity and postcode.

How we manage your personal data

You can read our Housing Engagement Privacy Notice. It tells you how we handle your personal information in line with Data Protection Act 1998 and GDPR.


Project banner image © Laura Dodsworth via: www.zerotolerance.org.uk/images-for-reporting-vaw

We are consulting on a draft Housing Service Domestic Abuse Policy. This is an important consultation, and we want to know any information that can help us improve how we deliver our service. This will help all of those involved find housing security and support.

Your views on the draft Housing Domestic Abuse Policy

The draft Housing Domestic Abuse Policy applies to:

  • all Moray Council tenants living in a property owned by the Housing Service; and
  • any person looking for housing options, homeless or housing information and advice and / or assistance because of domestic abuse.

The draft policy explains how the Housing Service responds to domestic abuse. It:

  • offers a safe and supportive response, which is sensitive to trauma;
  • follows national guidance, meets legal duties and works with partners to protect victims / survivors and support their recovery;
  • sets out the Housing Service’s commitment to treating everyone affected by domestic abuse with fairness and respect. This includes women, children, and people of any sex, gender, or relationship, using an approach that recognises their rights and the different ways abuse can affect them.
  • deals with people who commit domestic violence and live in Moray Council housing; and
  • acts quickly when risks are identified to keep people safe.

You do not need to register with Moray Engage to take part in this survey. If you choose not to register your responses will be completely anonymous.

All responses are confidential.

If you choose to register with Moray Engage we'll collect personal data including your email address and any additional demographic information you choose to provide such as your name, age, gender identity and postcode.

How we manage your personal data

You can read our Housing Engagement Privacy Notice. It tells you how we handle your personal information in line with Data Protection Act 1998 and GDPR.


Project banner image © Laura Dodsworth via: www.zerotolerance.org.uk/images-for-reporting-vaw

Consultation has concluded
  • What you told us and what we're doing

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    What we asked

    We asked tenants, housing applicants, organisations and partners to review our draft Domestic Abuse Policy and tell us what they think. The policy explains how we help people who are experiencing domestic abuse.

    What you said

    139 people took part in the consultation. Most responses (97%) were from individuals, including:

    • 64% Moray Council tenants
    • 13% housing association tenants
    • 22% members of the public in private rented or owned homes

    From the responses:

    • 91% supported the draft policy
    • 91% found it easy to read and understand
    • 8% felt something should be reworded
    • 15% felt something was missing
    • 5% felt something should be removed

    A significant 74% of responses came from people with lived experience of domestic abuse (survivors or friends/family supporting survivors). Their feedback highlighted:

    • The need for trauma‑informed, sensitive communication
    • Named contacts and clearer guidance
    • Stronger joint working with partners
    • Faster access to safe housing options and practical safety measures
    • Consistent, specialist staff training

    What we did

    Overall, the policy was very well received. No major changes were required.

    We made:

    • Some small changes to wording to make things clearer.
    • We updated the policy to include new laws that help remove perpetrators from a home if needed.

    The wider consultation feedback will be used to shape:

    • Operational procedures
    • Staff training
    • How we communicate and provide information

    This will make sure our approach is trauma‑informed, person‑centred and responsive.

    What's new in the policy

    The policy introduces a clear framework for responding to domestic abuse. It includes:

    • Support to help survivors remain safely in their home where possible
    • Clearer routes for accessing safe housing options, including transfers and temporary accommodation
    • Stronger action against perpetrators, including removing tenancy rights
    • A commitment to trauma‑informed practice and person‑centred support
    • Better partnership working with Police Scotland, Women’s Aid, health and other agencies
    • Enhanced staff training and clear guidance to ensure consistent responses

    Next steps

    The Domestic Abuse Policy was approved for implementation by elected members at the meeting of the Housing and Community Safety Committee on 12 March 2026. You can read the report presented to Committee here.

    The new policy will start on 1 April 2026.

    We will:

    • Keep tenants and applicants informed of the new policy
    • Update our information and website
    • Provide staff training
    • Put supporting procedures in place
    • Make information available in easy‑read and other accessible formats

    The new Domestic Abuse Policy will be published on our Housing Policies webpage.

    What we asked

    We asked tenants, housing applicants, organisations and partners to review our draft Domestic Abuse Policy and tell us what they think. The policy explains how we help people who are experiencing domestic abuse.

    What you said

    139 people took part in the consultation. Most responses (97%) were from individuals, including:

    • 64% Moray Council tenants
    • 13% housing association tenants
    • 22% members of the public in private rented or owned homes

    From the responses:

    • 91% supported the draft policy
    • 91% found it easy to read and understand
    • 8% felt something should be reworded
    • 15% felt something was missing
    • 5% felt something should be removed

    A significant 74% of responses came from people with lived experience of domestic abuse (survivors or friends/family supporting survivors). Their feedback highlighted:

    • The need for trauma‑informed, sensitive communication
    • Named contacts and clearer guidance
    • Stronger joint working with partners
    • Faster access to safe housing options and practical safety measures
    • Consistent, specialist staff training

    What we did

    Overall, the policy was very well received. No major changes were required.

    We made:

    • Some small changes to wording to make things clearer.
    • We updated the policy to include new laws that help remove perpetrators from a home if needed.

    The wider consultation feedback will be used to shape:

    • Operational procedures
    • Staff training
    • How we communicate and provide information

    This will make sure our approach is trauma‑informed, person‑centred and responsive.

    What's new in the policy

    The policy introduces a clear framework for responding to domestic abuse. It includes:

    • Support to help survivors remain safely in their home where possible
    • Clearer routes for accessing safe housing options, including transfers and temporary accommodation
    • Stronger action against perpetrators, including removing tenancy rights
    • A commitment to trauma‑informed practice and person‑centred support
    • Better partnership working with Police Scotland, Women’s Aid, health and other agencies
    • Enhanced staff training and clear guidance to ensure consistent responses

    Next steps

    The Domestic Abuse Policy was approved for implementation by elected members at the meeting of the Housing and Community Safety Committee on 12 March 2026. You can read the report presented to Committee here.

    The new policy will start on 1 April 2026.

    We will:

    • Keep tenants and applicants informed of the new policy
    • Update our information and website
    • Provide staff training
    • Put supporting procedures in place
    • Make information available in easy‑read and other accessible formats

    The new Domestic Abuse Policy will be published on our Housing Policies webpage.

    Consultation has concluded