The Halton Housing Partnership, comprising housing associations across Halton, has united with Cheshire Police and My Cheshire Without Abuse (My CWA) to sign a new Memorandum of Understanding, strengthening the borough’s response to domestic abuse - in response to Cheshire Police’s recently launched ‘Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Abuse’ project. 

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) sets out a shared commitment to ensure that: 

• Perpetrators of domestic abuse (where appropriate and safe) are offered a referral to а suitable behaviour change programme or interventions to help break the cycle of abuse.
• Survivors of domestic abuse are safely referred to appropriate support services when housed, rehoused or known to be at risk.
• Young people who are affected by the abuse, whether as victims or survivors are also referred for support.

The agreement is built on clear principles around survivor safety, informed consent, communication, independent support and a whole system approach, recognising that only partnership working can deliver lasting change. 

By signing the Memorandum of Understanding, each housing provider in the Halton Housing Partnership is agreeing to supporting survivors of domestic abuse through safe, confidential referrals to specialist services, ensuring communication never increases risk. For perpetrators, referrals to behaviour change programmes will be offered where appropriate, with voluntary, accountable engagement and risk managed through safeguarding procedures. 

Together, the housing associations will strengthen staff resource for domestic abuse, appoint lead officers, and ensure safe, coordinated referrals. They will also work in partnership across agencies, provide safe feedback, and offer ongoing training and guidance to housing staff. 

Sam Scott, Group Chief Executive of Halton Housing and Chair of the Halton Housing Partnership said, “As housing providers, we have a duty to ensure that home is a safe place for our customers. Tackling domestic abuse isn’t just about housing - it’s about protecting lives, supporting survivors, and working with partners to break the cycle of violence. The Halton Housing Partnership is pleased to sign and implement this Memorandum of Understanding.” 

Samantha Blanchflower, Serious Violence Lead at Cheshire Police added, “Domestic abuse devastates lives and tackling it requires every part of the community working together. This memorandum shows the commitment of housing providers to stand alongside police and support services in breaking the cycle of abuse, and we are immensely grateful for their support”.

 

Pictured (L-R): Sam Scott - Group Chief Executive of Halton Housing, Sarah Wall - Head of Communities and Livelihoods at Riverside Housing Group, Ben Barton – Vice Principal of Riverside College, Siobhan Saunders - Head of Employment, Learning & Skills at Halton Borough Council, Ian Reed - Chief Executive Officer of Plus Dane, Rachel Bennett - Communities Director at Magenta Living, Michelle Peart-Simpson - Head of Neighbourhood Services at Onward Homes, Peter Yoh - Head of Housing at Riverside and Aaron Hammersley - Director of Housing & Customer at Your Housing