Support for victims of domestic abuse vulnerable to homelessness

The government has announced that victims who're homeless due to domestic abuse is going to be prioritised for accommodation from their council.

Through the Domestic Abuse Act, councils will have to find accommodation for individuals made homeless through domestic abuse, helping to ensure victims do not remain with their abuser for anxiety about lacking a roof over their scalp. Previously, victims had to be assessed as being ‘vulnerable’ because of domestic abuse to become identified as having a priority need.

Under the brand new legislation, domestic abuse will be a standalone reason to become qualified as needing this support. This is among the first of numerous measures to aid victims and their children contained in the Domestic Abuse Act in the future into effect.

Under the Domestic Abuse Act, councils will also have a brand new duty to help victims as well as their children access life-saving support in safe accommodation – backed by £125 million funding for 2021/22. Councils were supplied with the funding in April so that they can start to fulfil those functions ahead of this duty coming into force later this year.

Councils have been allocated £1.5 million this year to satisfy the changes – on top of £310 million that has been delivered with the Homelessness Prevention Grant so that councils supports those at risk of homelessness, including victims of domestic abuse.

Eddie Hughes, Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing, said: “Domestic abuse is really a heinous crime which is a tragedy that some victims remain using their abusers for anxiety about lacking a roof over their scalp. Today’s change will mean all councils have to get accommodation for victims who're homeless as a result of domestic abuse – ensuring there is a safe space to rebuild their lives. This is part of the government’s wide-ranging programme of support for domestic abuse victims underneath the landmark Domestic Abuse Act.”