Kent’s new domestic abuse reciprocal initiative has permanently relocated three families to a place of safety.
The initiative, by making use of housing stock, enables those at risk to move to a safe place whilst retaining their social tenancy.
Almost a dozen local council landlords and housing associations have joined to offer their support, since it launched this July.
Amanda, a manager at new leaf support domestic abuse charity, said that the scheme will alleviate some stress for those seeking safety.
Under reporting remains to be a key concern when it comes to domestic abuse, because many of those that experience abuse may not even identify themselves as victims, or they may even be unwilling to come forward due to a variety of reasons.
Kent county council reported that 209 adults had used Kent refuge, a temporary accommodation that helps victims escape abusive environments quickly between 2022 and 2023, while 49% of those adults were accompanied by children.
A spokesperson for the Kent housing group association, one of the schemes first patrons, said that the initiative is providing a well measured approach to helping those in need:
Kent is the second county outside of London to implement the initiative, landlords who have not yet joined the scheme, are urged by councils and authorities to offer their support, so that Kent’s strategy can be carried out in full-force.