During North Star’s Domestic Abuse Awareness Week,  representatives of North Star’s Domestic Abuse Champions met with MP for Darlington, Peter Gibson.

The Zoom call, was an opportunity to discuss the ongoing work carried out by North Star for customers and colleagues, who may be suffering domestic abuse. Peter Gibson MP was actively involved in the committee stage of the current Domestic Abuse Bill.

North Star work closely with domestic abuse partners in the North East including Harbour and Wearside Women in Need. All staff at North Star have received training in relation to domestic abuse, which includes spotting signs of when someone maybe suffering and what patterns to look for when visiting properties or speaking with customers on the phone.

Peter commented, “the service that North Star is offering to both their staff and customers is exemplary. For customers to know their landlord is as passionate about providing a service for domestic abuse victims will be of huge comfort. With the Domestic Abuse Bill currently undergoing it’s passage through the House of Lords, I have asked that North Star share the contents of the bill with staff to show the progress made to date”.

Claire Teasdale, North Star’s lead on Domestic Abuse added; “North Star is committed to the work we carry out in supporting those going through domestic abuse. We support our customers and have a range of signposting strategies in place, to ensure we can get people the support they need. Internally, North Star is very proud to have a Domestic Abuse Policy, which covers how we support colleagues who may be suffering domestic abuse. Our Domestic Abuse Champions are a group of six members of staff who are designated as confidants for staff to reach out to, should they need support or advice”.