Domestic abuse survivor left suicidal after being advised to take in lodger to avoid losing benefits

Mother's housing benefits slashed due to having to pay extra money for panic room

Cross-party MPs have now urged the government to exempt domestic abuse survivors fleeing their partners from the 'bedroom tax' in an open letter (Getty/iStock)

A domestic abuse survivor was left suicidal after being advised to take in a lodger by the government to avoid missing out on housing benefits, her lawyers said.

The mother, who is a victim of rape, assault, harassment and stalking perpetrated by an ex-partner, was forced to cough up extra money for having a panic room due to the “bedroom tax”.

She is currently living in a sanctuary-scheme provided home – properties specifically adapted to allow women and children who are at severe risk of domestic violence to be safe in their own homes.

But the woman, whose identity must remain anonymous to protect her safety, was nearly made homeless after having her housing benefit slashed due to the “bedroom tax”.

“I was contemplating suicide because I felt I had failed as a mum who could keep my family safe or protect my son,” the victim, who had been living in the property with her son, told The Independent.

“I was very low, had a lack of sleep. My health has been at its all-time low”.

She lives in a purposefully modified three-bedroom house which has a panic room in the attic. A panic room is a secret room in a house designed to stop trespassers entering.

The woman had been granted the house back in 2012 after her former partner got in touch with her. Ten years before this, he had attacked and raped her after coming out of jail for attempted murder.

The victim’s housing benefit was axed by 14 per cent after the “bedroom tax” was brought in back in 2012 because she was found to have one more bedroom than she was allowed to have under the legislation.

The European Court of Human Rights ruled the so-called “bedroom tax” unlawfully discriminates against victims of domestic abuse in October – ordering the government to pay her €10,000 (£8,650) in compensation.

However, the UK government has refused to change the law on this throughout the course of her six-year legal battle. Instead, the government tried to appeal the European Court of Human Rights’ decision but have just been refused permission to do so.

Cross-party MPs have now urged the government to exempt domestic abuse survivors fleeing their partners from the “bedroom tax” in an open letter seen by The Independent.

Some 44 MPs demanded the Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey “to take immediate action on this life and death matter” in the letter.

“The government has committed to improving protection and support for survivors through the new domestic abuse bill,” the letter, launched by Labour MP Stella Creasy and supported by lead domestic abuse charity Women’s Aid, says. “The application of the ‘bedroom tax’ to Sanctuary Schemes clearly undermines this aim.”

It adds: “The vast majority of people in the Sanctuary Scheme are women, and all live in specially adapted homes because they are at risk of serious violence.”

Rebekah Carrier, the woman’s solicitor, said: “It is totally inappropriate to suggest someone who has experienced very extreme intrusive violence have a stranger in their home.

“Throughout the case, she has been getting letters from the council saying she is going to be evicted. She always thinks she has to leave. It is all having a terrible toll on her. We helped her by the skin of our teeth to stay in her home while this case has gone on. She needs to stay there because it has been made to be safe.”

Ms Carrier, of Hopkin Murray Beskine Solicitors, said the victim has post-traumatic stress caused by the domestic abuse she suffered.

The lawyer noted it costs tens of thousands of pounds to install bulletproof glass, a panic room, fireproof letterboxes, and a direct panic line to police – adding the victim also has an informal safety plan with her neighbours in the instance her ex-partner was to turn up.

Lucy Hadley, of Women’s Aid, said: “We call on the government to act now to protect all survivors in sanctuary schemes from this injustice, and assess all welfare reform policies on how they impact the safety of women and children experiencing domestic abuse.”

A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions said: “We are carefully considering the court’s decision.”

But the government said they have no plans to do away with its policy on the removal of the spare room subsidy - commonly dubbed the "bedroom tax".

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 their website www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk