Ashfield District Council is working towards becoming an accredited partner for the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA).

The council said it recognised the need to improve the way domestic abuse incidents were reported and responded to.

This could be achieved by reviewing the its current approaches and adopting a number of key standards developed by DAHA over the next year. It will work in partnership with Juno Women’s Aid ,with training opportunities across the council for employees.

Community safety manager Antonio Taylor said: “This is great news for Ashfield and is one of many examples to demonstrate how the council is committed to supporting residents from all backgrounds and circumstances across the district.

“Employees within the council are working hard to achieve accreditation, which will ultimately enhance our ability to address domestic abuse and create standards that will benefit everyone living and working in Ashfield.”

It follows work to gain the White Ribbon accreditation.

Pictured, from left, are the deputy leader of the council, Coun Helen-Ann Smith; community safety manager Antonio Taylor; and Emma Jimmick, domestic violence and vulnerability officer.