Domestic Abuse Housing Huda Jawad Domestic Violence and

Domestic Abuse & Housing Huda Jawad Domestic Violence and Housing Coordinator (Maternity Cover)

What is domestic violence? • Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass but is not limited to the following types of abuse: – psychological – physical – sexual – financial – emotional • Controlling behaviour is: a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.

Housing and Domestic Violence • 13% of all acceptances by local housing authorities in England Wales owed a main homelessness duty on the grounds of DV – however figure is thought to be much higher. • According to St Mungo’s 35% of female clients stated DV had played a part in them sleeping rough • • 40% of all homeless women stated DV as contributing to their homelessness. (Shelter 90% of young people leave home because of family conflict, including witness domestic violence or being a victim of physical or sexual abuse. (Randall and Brown (2001) • 75% of DV Homicides occur at the point of separation • 60% of survivors left because of fear they or their children would be killed (Women’s Aid) • 76% of survivors suffered post separation violence (Women’s Aid)

Housing and Domestic Violence • Housing has a central role in outcomes for survivors. • Reason a survivor doesn’t leave an abusive relationship • Fear • Negative experiences • Limited housing options • Reason a survivor is able to remain separated from their abuser • Housing IDVA • Community Support and Housing Support • Refuge • Sanctuary – non molestation/occupation order • Mutual exchange to suitable property • Management Transfer

Women’s Experiences of Housing Solace Women’s Aid Research with CWASU- Finding the Costs of Freedom 2014 & The Price of Safety Report 2016: • Chronic shortage of housing has been instrumental in women’s experiences with local authorities and the tenancy market: non-believing attitude, little understanding of DV (CC), uninterested and unsympathetic, asked for a crime reference no. • Women sent to other boroughs, some wanted to interview perpetrator. • Yemshaw V Hounslow 2011 recognised emotional abuse as a feature of domestic abuse.

Women’s Experiences of Housing continued. . Maintaining tenancies- Where women are joint tenants with the perpetrator often they suffer loss of tenancy, Housing Associations and Providers rarely evict the perpetrator or hold him to account. Where women are not named on the tenancy and often are paying the rent, the situation for them is more grim. Where women were joint or sole owners of their properties they faced different obstacles to safe housing conditions. Private rents have their own challenges- very difficult to find a landlord accepting of HB, rents increase after 6 month Landlords chase women for money when councils fail to

Women’s Experiences of Housing continued. . • As a result many women choose to stay in abusive homes, trading secure housing for safety. • Women wait a long time to be re-housed • Women move multiple times • Women leaving did not mean the end of abuse. • Many felt penalised for trying to end violence and seeking safety in their lives.

Standing Together’s Response • Supporting agencies to support survivors • Training for Housing Options and other • • • Housing workers Practice Development Workshops Service Standards & DAHA Sanctuary Scheme

Your Responsibilities • Ask about domestic abuse – how often do you ask about DV? • DV is everyone's responsibility – we can only tackle it together. • Research shows survivors want to be asked rather than feel workers are waiting for them to disclose. • Front line workers are in a unique position to offer support and safe referrals • Evidence of abuse is often not visible. • Always establish if it is safe to ask.

How you can help • Ask – Framing – we know domestic abuse is a very common problem, we are asking everyone about their experiences… – How is everything in your relationship? – Is there somebody that you’re frightened of or who hurts you? (see Section 6, p 17 as guide) • Validate – What your describing sounds like abuse – I am concerned about you and the situation with your partner – Thank you for sharing with me. You don’t deserve this. It’s not your fault. • Assess – Are you safe to stay in the hostel tonight? If no, consider staying with friends or family or accessing emergency refuge accommodation (National DV Helpline) or call the police • Refer – Explain options for national and local specialist support services • Intervention should increase survivors safety

Key Messages • It is important to give these five messages to the survivor: A. I believe you B. You have the right to live free from violence and abuse C. Abuse is not your fault, responsibility lies with the abuser D. You are not alone E. We can help you find support

ANGELOU • Angelou is a partnership of nine specialist organisations that have come together to support women and girls experiencing domestic or sexual violence and harmful practices across Westminster, Hammersmith & Fulham and Kensington & Chelsea. • Angelou is Advance, STADV, Galop, Woman’s Trust, African Women’s Care, Solace Woman’s Aid, Hestia, Women and Girls Network and Al-Hasaniya. 12

Key Agencies/Referral Options • ADVANCE: women at high risk – self referral 0208 741 7008 • SBHA Domestic Violence Floating Outreach Support Service: Women’s-only Service 0208 996 8810 • ADVANCE/MINERVA: Provides service delivered to women offenders and those at risk of offending • 0208 563 2225 • National DV helpline: 24 hour helpline for refuge spaces nationally for women and children - 0808 2000 247 • Galop: (LGBT) 020 7704 2040 • Broken Rainbow: 0300 999 5428/0800 999 5428 (1 pm-5 pm Tuesday is a trans* specific service) • Men’s Advice Line: Male Victims - 0808 801 0327 • Respect Phoneline: Perpetrators (male & female) 0808 802 4040 (Also has advice for staff working with perpetrators)

Contact h. jawad@standingtogether. org. uk 020 8748 5717