Domestic Abuse Policy
10 Taking action against perpetrators
When a Gateshead Council tenant is identified as a perpetrator of domestic abuse, we will look to hold them to account for their behaviour.
Domestic abuse is a breach of the council's tenancy agreement which clearly states:
'You, or anyone living with you or visiting your home must not threaten violence, domestic violence or be violent towards anyone living in or visiting your home. This includes employees of the council or their partners, agents or councillors.'
Such breaches of the tenancy agreement will be classified as high priority and immediately referred to our Neighbourhood Relations team.
As a social landlord Gateshead Council is committed to tackling these issues through supporting victims and survivors but also taking appropriate action against perpetrators. In these cases, the views of the victims and survivors must always be considered prior to pursuing any legal action to ensure that they are not put at further risk. We will discuss approaching the perpetrator with the victims and survivors at the earliest opportunity. We recognise that this may also be distressing for neighbours who witness or observe domestic abuse, and will provide appropriate support.
On some occasions, legal action may be taken against the perpetrator and/or their tenancy. These tools and powers could include, but are not limited to:
- tenancy warnings
- community protection warnings or notices
- civil injunctions
- full and partial closure orders
- possession proceedings being initiated
Further information and the circumstances that these may be used can be found in the ASB and Hate Policy.
In addition to this, we will seek to assist perpetrators who may want to positively change their behaviour by helping them access support and making appropriate referrals.
Where perpetrators accept their behaviour is wrong and they are remorseful, they may be suitable candidates for the Behaviour Change Programme. This programme, coordinated by Gateshead Council, gives perpetrators of abuse the opportunity to tackle the root causes of their behaviour through a range of training sessions and workshops and helps them to understand the impact of their behaviour on their victims and survivors.