As an accredited Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance organisation, we are committed to tackling domestic abuse in Southampton.

We have policies and procedures in place to support council tenants who are affected by controlling, coercive, threatening and violent behaviour in the home. You can read more about our commitments below.

How do I report domestic abuse if I am a council tenant?

If you feel frightened, controlled, or are hurt by an abuser, or someone you know is in immediate danger, always call 999.

The PIPPA Helpline offers advice, information, and support for people domestic abuse. You can call 023 8091 7917 or send an email to: pippa@southampton.gov.uk

Alternatively, please reach out to your Local Housing Office and a member of the team will contact you within 24 hours. We will try to arrange a meeting at a venue that suits you, so that you will feel safe in reporting the abuse, and with a colleague of the same gender if requested.

Anything you tell us will be kept in complete confidence. You will not be judged. We remain sensitive to domestic abuse happening regardless of your circumstances, be that age, gender, class, religion, ethnicity, sexuality, disability, or relationship status.

What support can I access as a council tenant?

We can offer you support, along with advice and guidance, which includes referrals to specialist support agencies who can help you access alternative accommodation if it’s not safe for you to stay at your home.

We can also arrange additional security to your council property such as extra locks, bolts, and fire-resistant letterboxes, if needed.

What commitment does the council have to deal with domestic abuse?

When you speak to us about your experiences, you can expect us to:

• Respond to all reports of domestic abuse on the same day of the initial report.
• Act, where appropriate, against perpetrators of domestic abuse.
• Treat domestic abuse cases with priority and confidentiality, unless we have a duty to share information by law, or in child protection circumstances.
• Keep victims of domestic abuse informed at all stages of a case.
• Offer additional security to victims of domestic abuse, and these works where possible will be completed the same day.
• Complete a domestic abuse risk checklist in all cases, unless one has recently been completed by another agency.

Where can I get more information?

There’s more information on our domestic abuse pages.

We also have a domestic abuse policy which safeguards council tenants and leaseholders.