Domestic Abuse Sanctuary and Safe Accommodation Support Services HDG/2025/944

Stoke-on-Trent is committed to creating a safer, stronger city where all residents can live free from Domestic Abuse. The vision is to prevent domestic abuse from happening and to respond appropriately and effectively to those vulnerable to, or affected by, domestic abuse. Research suggests that the majority of DA remains largely hidden and consistently under-reported to the Police and other agencies. It is estimated that around 42% of all domestic abuse related crimes are unreported each year but remain hidden. In the UK, it is estimated that 1.6 million women and 712,000 men aged 16 years and over, experienced domestic abuse in the last year. Stoke-on-Trent city council currently commissions a range of housing related support for victims of domestic abuse. The existing Service Agreements for these provisions are due to expire in September 2026. With the overarching aim of increasing the availability of suitable Safe Accommodation and support in the city for victims of domestic abuse, Stoke-on-Trent City Council is looking to procure a suitably experienced provider or a consortium of providers to deliver a holistic Domestic Abuse Sanctuary and Safe Accommodation (DASSA) Support service for people who are experiencing or who have been subject to domestic abuse in Stoke-on-Trent. The Service will comprise the following core components: • Safe Accommodation Units - including emergency access refuge provision, female-only night shelter spaces, and safe accommodation within community-based settings. • Second-Stage / Move-On Support - a collaborative approach providing tailored tenancy sustainment or floating support following transition from more intensive services, for a period of up to 12 months, supporting individuals towards longer-term independence. • Floating Support and Advice - personalised domestic abuse advice and support delivered to victims within their own homes. • Sanctuary Scheme / Target Hardening - a homelessness prevention intervention, where appropriate, involving the installation of security and safety measures to enable individuals and families to remain safely in their existing homes rather than relocating to alternative safe accommodation. The Council expects the DASSA Support Service to be delivered in line with core principles that focus on victim choice and their involvement in support planning, a flexible and inclusive service delivery that builds on individuals' strengths and a professional and suitably trained workforce. In addition, the Provider will be expected to deliver innovative, confidence-building programmes and workshops that help individuals recognise emotional abuse, identify warning signs in relationships, and develop the skills needed to rebuild confidence and resilience.