Dr Marian Duggan, SSPSSR, welcomes government moves to force councils to provide adequate housing to domestic abuse victims but says a lack of available locations could hinder the initiative.
‘Prime Minister Theresa May’s plans to impose a legal duty on councils in England to provide secure homes for victims of domestic abuse forms part of wider plans to safeguard victims under the draft Domestic Abuse Bill, currently going through Parliament.
‘This is a welcome measure as refuges across the country remain under significant and sustained pressure. It is well known that many domestic abuse victims (and their children) must flee their homes following a violent incident, often being placed in secure accommodation far from friends, family and – importantly – the perpetrator.
‘This is a huge upheaval in victims’ lives and can be additionally traumatic at a time when a person is at their most vulnerable. Support for victims upon leaving a domestically violent relationship is vital, particularly as their risk of harm may be elevated in the period immediately afterwards.
‘Creating a legal duty for councils to provide refuge is an improvement to the patchy housing provision currently offered across the country, but in light of housing shortages could mean additional difficulties for those placed in unsuitable accommodation or in unfamiliar locations.
‘Providing suitable, secure and stable housing will go a long way to helping victims safeguard themselves and any dependents while rebuilding their lives free from domestic abuse.’
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