February 2023 – New Code on Housing Duties to Victims of Violence

Priority need

A person has priority need if they are vulnerable as a result of ceasing to occupy accommodation because of violence from another person or threats of violence from another person which are likely to be carried out.

Assessing homelessness

The homelessness assessment should identify the reason for homelessness, including whether the applicant has had to leave accommodation because of violence or threats of violence.

Assessing risk of violence

Assessments should be conducted on a case-by-case basis by evaluating the account given by the applicant and the evidence that has been presented considering all the circumstances.

Local connection

A housing authority cannot refer an applicant to another housing authority where they have a local connection if that person or any person who might reasonably be expected to reside with them would be at risk of violence in that other district.

Assessing intentional homelessness

In assessing intentional homelessness, the housing authority will need to determine the circumstances leading to a threat of homelessness and housing authorities will need applicants to provide all relevant information to inform their assessment.

Personalised housing plans

When developing a personalised housing plan the housing authority should be particularly sensitive to an applicant’s wishes and respectful of their judgement about the risk of violence.

Suitable accommodation -

Where the housing authority has reason to believe the applicant may have priority need, housing authorities should be proactive in offering safe accommodation under the interim or relief duties without delay.

Serious Violence Duty

The Serious Violence Duty commenced on the 31 January 2023 and requires specified authorities to collaborate and plan to prevent and reduce serious violence, including identifying the kinds of serious violence that occur in the area, the causes of that violence (so far as it is possible to do so), and to prepare and implement a strategy for preventing and reducing serious violence in the area.

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