Moray Council approves housing policy to support people affected by domestic abuse

The Domestic Abuse Housing Policy was agreed by councillors at a meeting of the Housing and Community Safety Committee following an eight-week public consultation held between November 2025 and January 2026.

Around 9,690 tenants and housing applicants were contacted as part of the consultation, which received 139 responses. Of those who responded, 74% said they had direct experience of domestic abuse or were supporting someone who had.

Overall feedback was strongly supportive, with 91% of respondents agreeing with the draft policy and most saying it was clear and easy to understand.

The policy sets out a trauma-informed, person-centred approach to supporting people experiencing domestic abuse. It aims to help individuals remain safely in their homes where possible while also providing clear options for moving to alternative accommodation where needed. This approach will help prevent homelessness and improve housing security.

When asked about the types of housing support that would be most important, respondents highlighted moving to a different council property for safety (75%), access to emergency temporary accommodation (67%) and support to remain safely in their current home (65%). Refuge accommodation and additional safety measures in homes such as improved locks or security devices were also identified as key priorities.

Respondents also shared suggestions for improvement, including clearer information about housing options and waiting times, safer ways to communicate with housing staff and the importance of trauma-informed training to help staff better understand and respond to different forms of abuse.

The feedback received helped shape the final policy, with updates made to wording and guidance following the consultation.

Chair of Moray Council’s Housing and Community Safety Committee, Cllr Amber Dunbar, said: “I’m extremely grateful to everyone who shared their views as part of this consultation. I recognise how difficult it can be to talk about experiences of domestic abuse, and I want to emphasise just how valuable the insight from survivors has been.

“The feedback shows strong support for the policy and highlights how important it is that people affected by domestic abuse have safe, supportive housing options. This policy helps ensure people can access the right support at the right time, whether that means helping them remain safely in their home or supporting a move to alternative accommodation where needed.”