Housing and accommodation services

Homelessness advice

If you cannot stay in your home because of domestic abuse, you have the right to apply as homeless. The council must provide you with advice and support to help you find somewhere safe to live. You can apply to any local authority—you will not be referred back to your previous area if returning would put you at risk of violence.

You will not be considered intentionally homeless if you’ve left your home due to domestic abuse. If the council has a duty to house you, they may ask for details about your situation and any supporting evidence, such as dates or descriptions of incidents. You are entitled to bring a friend or support worker with you.

Your information will be kept confidential, and you do not need to report the abuse to the police to receive help from the council.

Homelessness advice for victims of Domestic Violence

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Support organisations

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VAWG service directory

You can find lots of other useful services on the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) service directory homepage.