A CUMBRIAN housing association has pledged to support a national campaign to tackle domestic abuse.

South Lakes Housing has joined the Make a Stand campaign which was launched by the Chartered Institute of Housing in partnership with Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance and Women's Aid.

The housing association plans to use the campaign to help tackle domestic abuse within South Lakeland communities.

Vicky Battista, income officer for South Lakes Housing, said: "By signing up to Make a Stand it shows our customers and staff that we are here to provide support and guidance in helping those experiencing domestic abuse towards a brighter future."

Figures from South Lakes Housing show domestic abuse has increased by around 11% nationally and Cumbria Police deal with an average of 17 incidents of domestic abuse every day.

South Lakes Housing currently support around 20 tenants who are experiencing domestic abuse.

The campaign will influence policies designed to support residents who are experiencing domestic abuse.

It will also provide information about local domestic abuse services to both residents and staff.

Katie Ghose, chief executive of Women’s Aid, a charity dedicating to tackling domestic abuse, said: "For thousands of women and children across the country, their home is the most dangerous place they can be.

"South Lakes Housing has sent out a powerful message to survivors of domestic abuse that they are not alone and that there is help and support available to them."

South Lakes Housing will also develop policies to support staff who are experiencing domestic abuse and have appointed Miss Battista as the organisations 'domestic abuse champion' to support victims.

Alison Inman, president of the Chartered Institute of Housing, said: "I’m thrilled that South Lakes Housing has signed the ‘Make a Stand’ pledge as this could make a very real difference in local communities.

"Housing organisations house and employ millions of people and it is our duty to do more to tackle this issue."