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Housing and domestic violence

If you have left your home because of domestic violence from the other parent, then you may have left suddenly without time to prepare. You need to know your housing rights and options because it may be dangerous if your abuser knows where you are living now.

  1. What help can you get?
  2. Specialist organisations

What help can you get?

1. Help from local councils
If you are fleeing domestic violence, you won’t be treated as ‘intentionally homeless’. The local council may have to provide you with emergency accommodation.

If you fear violence where you live, ask for help from a different local council. Social services have a duty to help any child who needs emergency accommodation, and can help the homeless family as a whole.

2. Protect your belongings
If the local council has accepted its duty to house you, it may also make your property more secure or store your belongings for you. It may charge you for this, but you may qualify for help with the cost.

You may also be able to apply for a court order to protect your property or belongings. A housing or legal specialist can help you with this.

3. Court orders
If you need protection from the other parent’s abuse, you can get a court order to exclude them from the home so they have no access to it. This applies whether you own the home or not. A court order will not last forever and in the end you will need to sort out ownership of the home.

4. Help with legal costs
You may be able to get free legal advice and representation if you are applying for a court order against your partner. His or her income will not be taken into account when assessing whether you qualify for legal help.

Specialist organisations

If you are a man experiencing domestic violence, contact the Respect Men’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0327.

If you are a woman experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 200 0247.

If you have a legal problem, contact the Community Legal Advice Helpline on 0845 345 4345.

More help is also available:

  • Your GP could refer you and your child to a local organisation for emotional or psychological support.
  • There is a Community Safety Unit at every local police station.
  • Your local council may have a duty to provide you with emergency accommodation.
  • Social services have a duty to help any child in need of emergency accommodation.
  • A court can make an order to keep your abuser away from the home and allowing you to return.

Find out more about dealing with domestic violence.