BURNLEY’S social housing provider has signed up to a national campaign to tackle domestic abuse to build on its opening of a safe house for victims of violence in the home.

In June last year Calico Group opened Jane’s Place for women under threat.

It was named after Barrowford's Jane Clough, murdered by her abusive ex-partner Jonathan Vass outside Blackpool Victoria Hospital as she arrived at work in 2010.

Now the group, which operates Calico Homes and its linked SafeNet charity, have pledged their support to the the Make A Stand campaign launched earlier this month by the Chartered Institute of Housing, Women’s Aid and the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance.

It consists of four commitments: to embed a policy to supporting residents experiencing domestic abuse; to make information about support services available on the its website and other accessible places; to put in place a human resources policy on the issue; and appoint a domestic abuse champion.

Helen Thompson, executive director of Calico Homes, said: “We are proud to sign the Make A Stand pledge, and are extremely committed supporting victims of domestic violence.

“Alongside SafeNet, we have built Jane’s Place, the only complex needs refuge in the north.”

Alison Inman, CIH president, said: “By signing the Make A Stand pledge, Calico has committed to supporting people in its communities and it is no exaggeration to say that this could save a life.”

Katie Ghose, chief executive of Women’s Aid, said: “For thousands of women and children across the country, their home is the most dangerous place they can be. Calico Homes 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.”

Kelly Henderson, co-founder of DAHA, said: “We know the housing sector plays a crucial role in recognising and responding to domestic abuse and this pledge is a really easy way to not only demonstrate commitment but also take the first steps to improving the response for staff and residents.”

In May Jane’s Place was recognised at the UK Housing Awards for meeting a specialist housing need.

Make a Stand was launched as part of CIH president Alison Inman’s presidential appeal.