Domestic abuse and homelessness

Government figures show that in the year to June 2019, almost 24,000 people were made homeless in England directly because of domestic abuse
Domestic Abuse is an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence and in the majority of cases it is by a partner or ex-partner, but it can also be by a family member or carer. In the vast majority of cases it is experienced by women, but men can also experience domestic abuse. and domestic abuse can include the following:

• Coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence)
• Psychological and/or emotional abuse
• Physical or sexual abuse
• Financial or economic abuse
• Harassment and stalking
• Online or digital abuse

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, there is help available.

• If you are your children are in danger, contact the police.
• If you need to leave your home you can contact the homeless department of any Council for help, not just the one where you usually live. The council must look at what they can do to either keep you safe in your home or find you somewhere safe to live. They might also be able to provide emergency temporary accommodation if you are pregnant, have children or are vulnerable.
• You might want to move to a refuge for your own safety. If you’re a woman you can call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247. If you’re a man, you can get help from the Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
• You might also need to get advice about your other rights, for example applying for an injunction, getting advice about your rights in your current home and what happens if you leave it and help with money, benefits as well as emotional support.
• If you need further information and advice, you should contact an experienced adviser, for example, a Solicitor, a Law Centre or Citizens Advice. The Bond Board can also put you in contact with organisations in the local area that can help.

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