Domestic abuse survivors must be prioritised for social housing during lockdown, charities say

The campaign follows a surge in reports of domestic abuse during lockdown

The National Domestic Abuse helpline has seen a 50 per cent rise in calls during lockdown (iStock)

A group of more than 10 domestic abuse charities and organisations have launched a campaign calling for social housing providers to prioritise domestic abuse survivors during the coronavirus crisis.

The campaign, which launched a day after the government reopened the housing market after weeks of lockdown, calls for councils and housing associations to ensure that essential relocating for those fleeing domestic abuse continues during the crisis, and that emergency accommodation is provided, as well as long-term housing.

It follows a surge in reports of domestic abuse in the UK during the pandemic, with a 50 per cent increase in calls to the National Domestic Abuse helpline and more than 25 frontline domestic abuse services reporting a rise in their caseload. Domestic abuse homicides also appear to have doubled since the beginning of lockdown measures.

In April, the government issued guidance asking social landlords to continue essential moves for vulnerable people, in particular those at risk of domestic abuse, and has also made it clear that isolation guidelines do not apply for those fleeing domestic abuse.

The campaign’s call to action says: “Social housing providers have a key role to play to help rehouse people fleeing domestic abuse and offer suitable move-on housing for women leaving refuge to free up vital spaces.

“It is vital that councils follow existing guidance to exempt survivors leaving refuge and other forms of safe accommodation from residency requirements in housing allocations, as they may have had to move out of area to be safe.”

On 2 May, communities secretary Robert Jenrick announced that domestic abuse victims would get “priority need” status for access to local housing, a move that domestic abuse and housing charities have been campaigning for. The government also declared a new £76m funding package to help support the most vulnerable in society, including survivors of domestic abuse.

Lucy Hadley, campaigns and policy manager at Women's Aid, told The Independent: "As restrictions on leaving home continue, it is more important than ever that housing providers prioritise the safety of survivors of domestic abuse. The government has committed in the Domestic Abuse Bill to guarantee that all survivors are automatically in ‘priority need’ for housing, which is a critical step forward in tackling patchy responses to women made homeless because they need to escape a perpetrator.

"Today we also call for local authorities and housing providers to ensure survivors can access safe housing; for women and children who are no longer safe at home rehousing is essential and must go ahead during the pandemic," she added.

The call for housing organisations to prioritise domestic abuse survivors was launched by Homefinder UK, the national housing mobility service, alongside Safer London and The Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA). It has the support of domestic abuse organisations such as Women’s Aid, Refuge and SafeLives.

It advises that housing agencies should implement online practices such as virtual viewings and e-signatures to ensure that domestic abuse survivors can secure lettings while respecting social distancing measures.

Brenda Fraser, UK manager at Homefinder, said: “The severity of the calls we've received since the coronavirus outbreak is unlike anything we’ve seen before.

“We increasingly hear from victims who are trapped at home with their perpetrator during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are locked in and controlled 24/7 without any outlet,” she added.

Before the pandemic, the violence against women (VAWG) sector had already faced severe funding cuts in recent years due to austerity measures. Since 2010, one in six domestic abuse refuges has had to close its doors due to lack of funding, while 60 per cent of women were turned away from refuges last year.

Campaigners have recently criticised the government for not following up on its pledge to shelter domestic abuse survivors during the crisis. In April, hotel and hostel chains sent a written offer of accommodation to the government, suggesting that tens of thousands of hotel rooms could be used to shelter women and children fleeing abuse.

The initiative has the backing of over 30 women’s charities, as well as the domestic abuse commissioner, Nicole Jacobs, and the victims commissioner for England and Wales, Dame Vera Baird. The government has yet to respond to the offer.

The Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA), said: “Prior to Covid-19, there was already an urgent need to increase the supply of genuinely affordable, safe and stable accommodation to support move on from refuge services and from the homes that people living with domestic abuse are fleeing from.

"Urgent planning and preparation is needed now to effectively address the current need and anticipated increase in demand for housing once lockdown lifts.”

Anyone who requires help or support can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline which is open 24/7 365 days per year on 0808 2000 247 or via its website nationaldahelpline.org.uk