Strategic context
Dartford Borough Council works jointly with other agencies across Kent to deliver a coordinated response to cases of domestic abuse. This strategy will be delivered in line with the wider strategic context in Kent.
Kent and Medway Domestic Abuse Strategy 2020-2023
The Kent and Medway Domestic Abuse Strategy sets out the joint vision, priorities and commitments of the Kent and Medway Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Executive. This group includes the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner’s office, Kent Police, Kent County Council, District Councils and additional partners across Kent who work together to meet shared goals, which are defined within their strategy on preventing and responding to domestic abuse. The overall aim is to reduce the prevalence of domestic abuse, and ensure that where domestic abuse takes place, all those affected get the right support, quickly. Kent and Medway are currently drafting a new Strategy which is likely to be published in 2024.
Dartford Borough Council’s Corporate Plan 2021-2023
The Corporate Plan sets out Dartford Borough Council’s overall vision for the area and the strategic direction the Council will take in relation to its powers, functions and responsibilities. It contains the strategic objectives to improve the housing circumstances of those most in need and enabling the best use of housing to meet the needs of local people. The Corporate Plan is currently being reviewed and updated.
Dartford Borough Council’s Homelessness & Rough Sleeper Strategy 2024-2029
The Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy sets out the issues relating to homelessness in the Borough. Prevention of homelessness is at the heart of the Council’s strategic priorities and we are committed to early intervention in our service delivery with access to advice and assistance to all those that approach the service. The Strategy recognises that domestic abuse is one of the biggest causes of homelessness in the borough and includes actions to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
Dartford Borough Council’s Temporary Accommodation Strategy 2022-2024
The Temporary Accommodation Strategy sets out the Council’s strategy for the temporary accommodation needs of homeless households in the Borough. It compliments and builds on the strategic objective within the Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy 2019-2023 ‘to provide a range of accommodation for homeless households, making innovative use of solutions in the private sector.’
Dartford Borough Council’s Domestic Abuse Strategy and its delivery is also intended to be compatible with the following regional protocols and guidance:
Kent High Priority Rehousing Reciprocal Scheme
The Council is committed to the High Priority Rehousing Reciprocal Scheme, which sets out the voluntary reciprocal arranges between the Kent district authorities (excluding Medway) for applicants who have become homeless or threatened with homelessness and are at risk of domestic abuse, violence or serious harm.
Kent Domestic Abuse Reciprocal Scheme
The Council is committed, and is a signatory to, the Kent Domestic Abuse Reciprocal Agreement, which enables individuals and families at risk of domestic abuse and who have a social tenancy, to move to a safe area in Kent and Medway whilst retaining their social housing tenancy. This scheme is a formal collaboration between social housing landlords which will be coordinated by an independent agency (Kent County Council, Domestic Abuse Coordinator). It also links and supports the wider Kent & Medway Domestic Abuse Strategy.
Kent Safeguarding Children Multi-Agency Partnership Board’s Support Levels Guidance
The Kent Safeguarding Children Guidance includes illustrative examples about how need may present itself for intervention, and explains the various support levels and types of intervention services available. Child safeguarding referrals will be made in accordance with the Council’s Safeguarding Policy.
Kent and Medway Safeguarding Adults Board’s Multi-Agency Protocol for Dealing with Cases of Domestic Abuse to Safeguard Adults with Care and Support Needs
The Kent and Medway Protocol for Dealing with Cases of Domestic Abuse to Safeguard Adults with Care and Support Needs sets out the standard of service when an adult with care and support needs requires support to protect them from domestic abuse and to identify appropriate support networks. Adult safeguarding referrals will be made in accordance with the Council’s Safeguarding Policy.