PolicyFamily ViolenceSDMS ID Number 20071201SDMS Title Family Violence – Policy – 20071201Effective From 15 June 2015Applies to All Housing Tasmania clientsCustodian Manager Housing StrategySummary This policy outlines Housing Tasmania’s response and

management of tenancies where family violence is occurring.Replaces Doc. No. n/aAuthor Area Housing Strategy – Social and Affordable Housing Policy UnitContact Manager, Housing StrategyReview Date June 2018

Policy Purpose The purpose of this policy is to outline Housing Tasmania’s response and management of tenancies where family violence is occurring.

Policy Intent The intent of Housing Tasmania’s Family Violence Policy is to: support the Tasmanian Government’s Safe At Home

criminal justice response to family violence support victims of family violence to maintain and

secure safe accommodation and reduce the risk of homelessness

support victims of family violence to link with services who can enhance their safety and provide ongoing support, and

improve access to long term, stable and safe tenancies for Housing Tasmania tenants escaping family violence.

The intent of this policy is to ensure clients in need of housing assistance and/or support:

receive a service that is client focussed are responded to in a timely way receive services that are integrated and responsive to

prevent and reduce episodes of homelessness or repeat episodes of homelessness

are serviced by a skilled and supported workforce have their rights respected are treated equally

Application This policy applies to all Housing Tasmania tenancies, including Aboriginal housing tenancies. The policy outlines how tenancies should be managed when family violence occurs.In addition, the policy provides information on what should occur when a client presents to Housing Tasmania seeking housing assistance to ensure the best outcome.

Why does Housing Tasmania need a policy?

Because family violence occurs regularly in our communities, many clients who contact Housing Tasmania for assistance will be affected.Victims of family violence can be women, men (perpetrated

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by women) or it can occur in same-sex relationships.A high level of children witness family violence. This can have lifetime damaging effects on children. Children are particularly vulnerable where family violence is occurring.Family violence is usually threatening to the success of a tenancy. Therefore, there is recognition that additional supports must be in place to improve the chances of the tenant maintaining a long, safe and successful tenancy. The additional support may reduce the likelihood of homelessness or reduce the risk of homelessness.This policy aims to ensure that the needs of Housing Tasmania tenants who have been affected by family violence are recognised. The aim is to deliver the service in a way that is sensitive, appropriate and assists in the recovery process. It also aims to ensure tenants have timely access to Housing Connect services. Housing Connect can assist people to access housing and support needs. In addition staff can help coordinate and refer clients to the right services that meet their needs.The provision of safe and appropriate housing can assist clients to break long term patterns of violence. This leads to the achievement of improved health and well-being outcomes for the individual, their family and for the community as a whole.

What is Family Violence?

Family Violence means any of the following types of conduct committed by a person, directly or indirectly, against that person’s spouse or partner (this also includes ex-spouse or ex-partner):- assault, including sexual assault;- threats, coercion, intimidation or verbal abuse;- abduction;- stalking;- attempting or threatening any of the above; and- economic abuse;

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- emotional abuse or intimidation; and/or- breaching an existing order.The procedure associated with this policy provides greater explanation of these terms.

Referrals Where Housing Tasmania becomes aware that a tenant is seeking assistance about family violence, they should be referred to Housing Connect. Housing Connect will assess their housing and support needs and coordinate appropriate referrals.In some cases it will be appropriate for the tenant to remain in their Housing Tasmania home with support to maintain their tenancy. In other cases it will be important to explore alternative housing and support options to ensure they can maintain a long term and stable tenancy.If a Housing Tasmania tenant would like to explore alternative housing options, they should be referred to Housing Connect. Housing Connect also provides information about available support options based on clients assessed needs,. Referrals will be made with consent and followed up to make sure clients receive the support they need. Further information can be found in the Referral Policy.If the situation is urgent, the Safe at Home Family Violence Response and Referral line can be called on 1800 633 937.If there is an emergency call 000 immediately.

Supportive behaviour

Clients who contact Housing Tasmania should be positively supported and not blamed for the family violence.Part of this supportive behaviour is discussing and making appropriate referrals with the client.

Children and Family Violence

Under the Children, Young Persons and the Families Act 1997 Housing Tasmania staff are legally mandated to report a belief, suspicion or knowledge of family violence that involves actual or suspected child abuse. Children witnessing family violence are considered to be victims of

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child abuse.

Reporting Housing Tasmania staff are not prescribed persons for reporting under the Family Violence Act 2004. However, Housing Tasmania has a social obligation to assist in the health and wellbeing of clients.It is the preferred procedure of Housing Tasmania that staff report a belief, suspicion or knowledge of family violence to Tasmania Police. Ideally, this should be done with the knowledge and consent of the victim.

Confidentiality Confidentiality is very important for clients facing family violence.Housing Tasmania is bound by the Personal Information Protection Act 2004 (PIP Act 2004) regarding the gathering, use and disclosure of personal client information.When a referral Housing Connect is made, Housing Tasmania must have the client’s permission in writing.

Clients with special needs

The effects of family violence are often long lasting. For some groups, it may be intensified including people who are young, older, from culturally and linguistic diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with disabilities, people with mental health issues and/or people living in rural and remote areas.These and other groups not listed may have additional needs that involve extra thought and consideration.

Occupational Health and Safety

Staff must use a risk management approach in dealing with clients in a family violence situation. This is particularly important when conducting field visits. The risk management process includes the identification, assessment, treatment, communication and monitoring of risks.

Legal Framework This Policy adheres to the Residential Tenancy Act 1997 and the Family Violence Act 2004 where relevant.

Exemptions n/aPage 5 of 7

Responsibilities/ Delegations

All Housing Operations staff are responsible for ensuring the appropriate application of the policy. Area Managers are responsible for Area management including policy application.

Disclaimer This is a statewide policy and must not be re-interpreted so that subordinate policies exist. Should discrete operational differences exist, these should be expressed in the form of an operating procedure or protocol that must be approved at the same level as this policy.

Audit and Compliance

Failure to comply with this policy, without providing a good reason for doing so, may lead to disciplinary action.Compliance with this policy is the responsibility of the Manager Housing Services, through the delegated Area Managers.

Procedures and Forms

Family Violence Procedures Request for security modifications form

Related Policies Referral Policy Consent Policy Housing Connect (overarching) policy

Glossary n/aPolicy Title and Version Family Violence Version 6.0Effective Date 15 June 2015Review Date June 2018Document Number 20071201Replaces Document Number

n/a

Custodian Housing Tasmania, Social and Affordable Housing PolicyApproved by Manager Housing Strategy

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This Policy may be varied, withdrawn or replaced at any time. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for the Department of Health and Human Services. Please Destroy Printed Copies. The electronic version of this Policy is the approved and current version and is located on the Agency’s intranet. Any printed version is uncontrolled and therefore not current.

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