Stonewater receives recognition for domestic abuse certification in the homefront
In a significant move towards combating the rising issue of domestic abuse in England and Wales, housing provider Stonewater has been awarded the Leading Lights accreditation by charity SafeLives. The accreditation recognizes Stonewater's strong domestic abuse support services, which have been praised by Frances Keel, Leading Lights practice consultant at SafeLives.
Stonewater currently operates six refuge shelters for survivors of domestic abuse, located in Brighton and Hove, Swindon, Bedfordshire, Bedford, South Hampshire, and Herefordshire. These shelters offer a range of specific services and support designed to assist individuals and families affected by domestic abuse.
Key services provided by Stonewater's domestic abuse refuge centers include specialist accommodation, dispersed housing support, whole family support, support for children and young people, multi-channel support access, and partnership and multi-agency collaboration. The integrated approach ensures survivors receive holistic care, covering housing, emotional support, safety planning, and community integration.
To achieve the Leading Lights accreditation, Stonewater underwent a Level 4 service manager's training course and submitted a self-assessment, which was examined by SafeLives. The company is now required to submit annual reports and undergo reassessment every three years to maintain the accreditation.
Wendy Griffiths, operations manager at Stonewater, expressed pride in the company's dedication to providing a robust, comprehensive, and inclusive domestic abuse service. The latest findings from the Crime Survey for England and Wales reveal that around 2.3 million people aged 16 and over experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2024, underscoring the importance of such services.
Additionally, the police recorded 851,062 domestic-abuse related crimes during the same period, highlighting the urgent need for support services like those provided by Stonewater.
[1] For more detailed information on each refuge’s individual services, contacting Stonewater or the respective local coordinated domestic abuse services would be recommended for comprehensive insights.
- Stonewater, in addition to its domestic abuse support services, also offers health-and-wellness resources, such as mental health support, to survivors of domestic abuse within its community.
- As part of its holistic approach, Stonewater collaborates with general news and crime-and-justice agencies to stay informed about ongoing issues and ensure its services remain aligned with current needs in the field of domestic abuse.
- The housing provider's initiative to combat domestic abuse can have a significant impact on the health-and-wellness of survivors, as continued domestically abusive situations can have long-term effects on both physical and mental health.
