Women fleeing domestic violence should never face homelessness

Re your report (Surge in ‘no-fault evictions’ prompts calls to renew UK-wide ban, 22 September), the government figures also showed that domestic abuse was the leading reason for homelessness for families with children, an issue also referred to in another report (Domestic abuse survivors at risk from councils’ failure to rehouse them, 23 September).

It is scandalous that so many women and children who have endured the trauma of domestic abuse are still having to face the threat of homelessness when they leave their abusers. Having a secure home is vital to ensuring they can escape harm, feel safe and rebuild their lives. Advance, a charity, helps women into secure, safe housing, as well as ensuring they get the wider practical and emotional support they need after experiencing domestic abuse. This work is needed now more than ever.

It is vital that the Domestic Abuse Act, which says survivors of domestic abuse should be a priority for housing, is implemented at a local level. But we also need to ensure there is sustained investment in specialist domestic abuse support in communities, not only addressing survivors’ immediate housing situations, but ensuring they get the wide-ranging, longer-term help they need.
Niki Scordi
Chief executive, Advance

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