A LANDLORD has become the first in the region to get accreditation aimed at improving its approach to supporting victims of domestic abuse.

Durham City Homes has been recognised by the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) - a partnership between Gentoo, Peabody and Standing Together Against Domestic Violence.

The six-month improvement programme has seen the landlord’s approach to the issue scrutinised, including looking at service delivery, policies and procedures, risk management and employee training.

Carol Crathorne, estates and tenancy manager at Durham City Homes, said: “We are delighted to receive this accolade, as ensuring our tenants feel safe in their home is paramount to the organisation.

“Our employees are ideally placed within local communities to challenge domestic abuse and support those who are at risk.”

Kelly Henderson, DAHA co-founder and business manager (domestic abuse) at Gentoo, said: “We are thrilled to award the DAHA Accreditation to Durham City Homes in recognition of their hard work and commitment to tackling domestic abuse. Over the past year the response from the housing sector has been overwhelming and we are delighted that Durham City Homes are leading the way in the North-East.”