Resident guidance: All Housing residents - Last updated 22 May 2026
Domestic abuse
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Our approach to managing domestic abuse is to identify, support and signpost residents to relevant specialist agencies, championing the voice of the resident.
This page explains what domestic abuse is, the forms it can take and discusses the support available.
In this guidance you'll find:
- What is domestic abuse?
- How to report domestic abuse to Anchor
- How can Anchor support people who are experiencing or threatened with domestic abuse?
- How will Anchor investigate reports of domestic abuse and what steps can Anchor take to address it?
- Further information, support and resources
What is domestic abuse?
The definition of domestic abuse provided by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 is:
The behaviour of a person (“A”) towards another person (“B”) is “domestic abuse” if “A” and “B” are each aged 16 or over and are “personally connected” to each other:
“Personally connected” means:
- They are, or have been, married to each other
- They are, or have been, civil partners of each other
- They are, or have been, in an intimate personal relationship with each other
- They each have, or there has been a time when they each have had, a parental relationship in relation to the same child
- They are relatives (including in laws and step / half siblings or parents/children)
- The law extends only to 1st Cousins.
- Kinship carers
Behaviour is considered abusive if it includes:
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Spiritual or Ritual abuse
- Controlling or coercive behaviour
- Economic/financial abuse
- So-called honour-based abuse
- Psychological abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Neglect or acts of omission.
Abuse can be a single incident or a course of conduct over time.
How to report domestic abuse to Anchor
Domestic abuse can reported to us in several ways:
- Online: Complete our online reporting form here
- Location Manager: Residents can also report to their Location Manager in person, over the phone, by email, or by letter
- Email: Send an email to [email protected] with "Safeguarding" in the subject line. Your report will be assessed by the Customer Experience Hub and forwarded to the most appropriate member of staff
- Phone: Call 0800 731 2020 or out of hours call 0300 123 7101 to speak to Anchor on Call.
How can Anchor support people who are experiencing or threatened with domestic abuse?
Anchor offers a victim-focused approach to support. You will have the option to:
- Choose whether or not to report the abuse to the police.
- Be referred to specialist domestic abuse services for support.
Additionally, we can:
- Support you to consider your housing options.
- Provide temporary accommodation as a short-term safe space.
- Carry out risk assessments to ensure the correct level of support and safety measures are put in place.
Support may also include sharing information with other professionals including emergency services, obtaining specialist advice, and exploring legal options if needed.
How will Anchor investigate reports of domestic abuse and what steps can Anchor take to address it?
We will always follow a victim led and trauma informed approach when dealing with reports of domestic abuse. We understand it is the victim/survivor’s voice, and choice, for how they wish to proceed.
Where we have serious concerns for a person's safety or wellbeing, we will consider the most appropriate and safe course of action to take.
If the person causing the abuse is also a resident:
- Information will be collated (e.g. incident diaries, witness statements)
- We will always try to support all persons involved in domestic abuse as we understand there may be underlying issues contributing to the abusive behaviour.
- Advice and warnings can be issued to the person causing the abuse,
- Legal action may be considered. This will include injunctions and/or possession proceedings.
If the person causing the abuse is not an Anchor resident:
- We can help with target hardening and safety. This can include changing locks, securing the premises, providing you with a safe word for Anchor on Call, issuing banning letters, or securing an order to exclude the person causing the abuse.
Further information, support and resources
For more information and support please contact Anchor using the details above or speak to your Location Manager. The following websites also offer useful information and advice:
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