Posted on 11 December 2024
Our Priority Move process meant that Josie was given a new tenancy in time for Christmas
When we’re made aware that a customer is a victim of domestic abuse, they’re deemed as ‘high risk’ and are eligible to be moved as a ‘Priority Move’.
Our Priority Move list is an internal transfer list, where priority can be given to customers experiencing domestic abuse. They’re given the highest priority (Band A) and are immediately able to bid on homes via Jigsaw (our open waiting list platform).
Hyde’s Tenancy Team Manager, Ann, tells us about how this process helped a customer recently.
Josie
"Josie* contacted us in April 2024 as she was experiencing domestic abuse from members of her ex-partner’s family, who lived in the same area as her.
This was causing issues for her child at school, where their cousins were also in attendance. Due to recent and historic issues, Josie scored highly on her DASH checklist - a risk assessment used by professionals to identify high risk cases of domestic abuse. (DASH stands for Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour Based Risk Identification, Assessment and Management Model.)
A Hyde Tenancy Officer referred Josie to a local support service with specialist advisors to support victims.
The Priority Move process
Historically, Josie’s ex-partner had physically assaulted her and their child – gaslighting Josie into believing their child had done it to themselves. Gaslighting is a form of psychological and emotional abuse that can make someone question their sanity, memories, or perception of reality.
Her ex-partner was trying to manipulate her, convincing Josie that she was remembering things incorrectly. After the relationship breakdown, his family members continued to harass her in person and online.
Our Tenancy Officer prepared a report to submit the application as a Priority Move. It’s then reviewed by a panel of three Heads of Service, they review the application, and approval is needed by a majority of two.
Josie’s Priority Move application was approved in May 2024 and she was then able to check Jigsaw regularly for any suitable properties. As well as receiving help from Victim Support, we contacted her fortnightly to continue to offer support. We also tried to get her registered with a local authority choice-based lettings scheme.
In November 2024 Josie identified a suitable property and, following a conversation with Hyde’s Empty Homes and Lettings Team Leader, was directly offered the Hyde home. Her new tenancy has now started – in time for Christmas. Josie will move into her new home after the Christmas holidays, allowing her to get practical support with the move, and in time for her child to start at their new school for the new term.
Hyde Foundation will support Josie with her moving costs and are also looking at funding items including new carpets. Josie’s new home is much closer to her support network, and she’s really pleased with the house, especially as for the first time she has a garden, so her child is now able to go out and play.”
*Josie’s name has been changed.
See more information on how we can support you.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic abuse you can access help and support from the National Domestic Violence Helpline, Women’s Aid and Refuge on 0808 2000 247.
If you or others are in immediate danger, phone the police on 999.