Case study: Cheshire East Council - Evaluating the Domestic Abuse Whole Housing Approach

Client: Cheshire East Council, in partnership with Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse

Date: 2025

Challenges faced by the client:

Domestic abuse survivors often face a heightened risk of homelessness, with support typically focused on crisis response rather than prevention. Cheshire East Council and its partners were piloting the Whole Housing Approach (WHA), a coordinated model bringing together housing, health, and local services to improve outcomes for survivors.

However, there was a need to robustly evaluate the impact of the model, both in terms of outcomes for survivors and value for money, to inform future investment decisions and support wider rollout across England and Wales.

Our support:

We supported the evaluation of the Whole Housing Approach by delivering a cost-benefit analysis, working alongside partners including the University of Central Lancashire, Cheshire East Council, and Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse.

Our work focused on:

• Assessing the economic and social value of the model.

• Quantifying savings to public services.

• Supporting the development of a clear, evidence-based case for wider adoption.

Outcome achieved:

The evaluation demonstrated strong evidence of both impact and value:

• 98% of survivors at risk of homelessness were prevented from becoming homeless

• £10+ saved for every £1 invested in the model

• Improved safety and stability for survivors through a coordinated, multi-agency response

The findings have been widely recognised, including endorsement from MPs, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, and survivor groups.

The research provides a clear, evidence-based blueprint for how local authorities and partners can move from crisis response to prevention, improving outcomes while reducing long-term costs.

“It’s critical for experts and practitioners across England and Wales. It’s really exceptional work. It’s broadening our ambition, giving concrete evaluation and insight into the kinds of things that we need to do more of.” Dame Nicole Jacobs, Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales

Read the full report: Breakthrough for Breaking Free: Whole Housing Approach Pilot Shows How Housing Can Save Lives — Standing Together

For more information on this work, contact Agata at agata.miskowiec@mutualventures.co.uk.