UNISON members joined community activists on Newcastle Quayside last week to protest against cuts to legal aid for survivors of domestic violence.
Some 70 people marched from the law courts to the castle keep to draw attention to the impact of the changes.
UNISON northern regional convenor Clare Williams said: “This is a serious issue for UNISON members as workers, and for local residents including housing association tenants.
“We are determined to fight these cuts to services for vulnerable women, and pleased to stand alongside Rape Crisis and responsible employers with a social conscience like Home Group and Places for People.”
The two housing associations are part of a new national project by UNISON, which will also target Anchor, Sanctuary and Housing & Care 21.
Union organising teams in the north and south of the country will spend the next 12 months working with branches to build UNISON’s organisation in these major national housing providers.