The experiences of domestic abuse survivors in Brighton and Hove have been outlined in a new report.

The Safe Haven by the Sea report, commissioned by Brighton & Hove City Council in partnership with social housing provider Stonewater, is aimed at exploring current housing challenges and solutions.

The publication of the 29-page report forms part of Stonewater and Brighton & Hove City Council’s commitment to identifying areas for change and improvement, providing inclusive services and drawing on best practice.

Incorporating feedback from survivors and professionals and highlighting effective industry models, the report is seen as being a launchpad for spearheading a co-ordinated community response to delivering domestic abuse services.

Sarah Pugh, Domestic Abuse Transformation Manager for Stonewater and report author, said: “A key part of our strategic specialist role involves identifying areas for change and improvement, which this report has enabled us to do. It is a culmination of efforts by local survivors and professionals, who have shared their experiences and thoughts about how services could work in partnership to ultimately provide safer accommodation support and reduce harm caused by abuse.

“Thank you to everybody who has played a part in bringing this extremely important report to life and helping us pave the way forward in driving tangible collaborative change across the city.”

Councillor Paul Nann, Cabinet Advisor on homelessness and homeless hub for Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “The publication of this report is a significant turning point in reinforcing the importance of partnership working in relation to delivering joined-up domestic abuse support services from organisation-to-organisation. Thanks to the invaluable insight that has been captured, we can review and refine our services, working alongside our partners to keep those at risk of, and those who have been subjected to, domestic abuse as safe as possible.”

The Domestic Abuse Act (2021) received royal assent in April 2021, creating a statutory definition of domestic abuse and a range of new duties for local authorities, which include providing support in safe accommodation for survivors of domestic abuse. This includes refuge accommodation, specialist safe accommodation, dispersed accommodation, sanctuary schemes and move on accommodation.

In 2021, Stonewater was awarded the contract for the management of a domestic abuse refuge in Brighton and Hove. The commission included a strategic specialist role to support the commissioner and partners in implementing the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 Pan Sussex Framework and its statutory duties.