AQW 20792/22-27


Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry


Tabled Date: 17/01/2025
Answered On Date: 20/02/2025
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any work (i) specifically aimed at educating older people about domestic elder abuse; and (ii) to increase accessibility to housing and financial support for older victims of domestic abuse who wish to leave abusive environments.


Answer:
This issue is an operational matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows:
“The Housing Executive has recently published a Domestic Abuse Action Plan which can be found at www.nihe.gov.uk/getattachment/089a6b60-dfdf-4a54-ae43-dd04340fc082/Domestic-Abuse-Action-Plan.pdf.
The Housing Executive has been engaging with Hourglass in the delivery of actions specific to older people, particularly in raising awareness amongst our staff in relation to domestic elder abuse and the promotion of Hourglass as a means of support and assistance. The Housing Executive will continue to work with Hourglass to ensure the specific needs of older people/older victims of domestic abuse are represented in the delivery of the Domestic Abuse Action Plan.
The Housing Executive also provides support and assistance via our Financial Inclusion Managers who can support customers with money worries, debt advice and/or benefits with an overall aim of assisting them to maximise their income, reduce money worries and thereby sustain current accommodation (where appropriate in cases of domestic abuse) and/or prepare for a new permanent home.
Women at risk of domestic violence are supported through Supporting People funded, short-term emergency accommodation-based refuge services, providing support for those in housing need. Support is also provided through short-term Floating Support services for those who choose to remain at home or in a community setting. The aim of support is to help women with needs specific to their domestic abuse situation make informed choices about their accommodation and be able to maintain/sustain a home. Support can also include help to access other agencies and services.”
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you may wish to contact the NIHE directly. Making direct contact with the ALB will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of public resources.