Accessibility settings
‘Without Citizen’s DA team, I wouldn’t be here’- our domestic abuse team are on hand to support you
Date published: 04.12.25
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone.
We’re proud to be one of the first Midlands-based housing associations with a team dedicated solely to tackling it.
Regardless of age, gender, background or job title, it can happen in any circumstance.
In the last year, we’ve opened more than 600 cases and helped 44 Citizen colleagues.
We’re supporting 16 Days of Activism run by UN Women to eliminate violence against women and girls. As part of this we’re sharing how we helped one of our customers who experienced domestic abuse.
Sarah Green* was referred to us through the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) where professionals including ourselves and police meet to discuss high risk domestic abuse cases. Our colleagues then supported Sarah to get help while she was experiencing domestic abuse.
Sarah’s former partner took control over every part of her life during their 16-year relationship.
She said: “At first, it felt like the perfect relationship – flowers, meals out, constant attention and wanting to spend time with me. But it changed once I got pregnant. I had four babies in five years, and he controlled everything – what I wore, who I spoke to, even how long I stayed at the shop.
Sarah’s former partner also refused for repairs to be completed on her home, and this was something our Domestic Abuse team were able to help with. There were no internal doors, holes in the walls, smashed TVs and phones, and a garden filled with dumped white goods, including two large cannisters filled with petrol.
Sarah said: “I felt detached a lot before I took the leap to leave the relationship but me and my children were on edge when he came in. If he gave me a kiss or a hug, I would feel sick.
“I told him that I didn’t love him and I wanted him to go.
“If it wasn’t for Cath at Citizen, I wouldn’t be here. Cath helped with the situation with him – she’s helped with every aspect of our life. I couldn’t have done it without her. “I feel empowered in telling my story and I can do things now that I would never have done before.
“If you are going through this speak up, don’t think about another month, make the break. Don’t put it off as the days roll into weeks and look at me – it was 15 years on. I don’t want anyone to think this is a normal loving relationship because it’s not.”
You can hear more from Sarah in her video here:
In the UK, one in four women and one in five men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.
Every year over 75,000 people are at high and imminent risk of serious harm.
Our Domestic Abuse Lead Toni-Louise Holt said: “Recognising the immediate risks to Sarah, we worked together across Citizen to make sure she and her children were safe. Repairs brought the property back to a liveable standard, Estates cleared the garden of dangerous items, and with help from Money Advice, we provided flooring, food vouchers and safety equipment including panic alarms, window alarms and a Ring doorbell.
“When we met her, it wasn’t just about fixing things. It was about helping her feel safe and believed. Seeing her start to regain her confidence has been incredible.”
If you’re worried about someone or need advice yourself, you can contact our Domestic Abuse Team in confidence by:
• Calling our Customer Experience Centre on 0300 790 6555
• Talking to your Neighbourhood Officer or Tenancy Sustainment Officer
• Contacting us through My Account
You can find out more about our support services and other organisations who can help by visiting our dedicated page on our website.
*name has been changed
‘A huge thank you on behalf of our customers!’ – Bamford doors donate Christmas gifts for children living in our supported housing scheme
‘We love seeing smiles when people look at our lights’ – customers turn home into Christmas light show to raise money for hospice
Building the foundations of a great career - meet our newest apprentices!
