24 Hour Domestic Violence Help-line

A report by Crisis suggests that authorities are failing to provide homeless women with the help they need.  The report found that more than 20% of the homeless women surveyed were escaping domestic violence, and many homeless women had entered into unwanted sexual relationships in an effort to secure accommodation and basic necessities. Another key finding stated that the lack of understanding of the needs of homeless women/ survivors of domestic and sexual violence by  some services acts as a deterrent for many women. In particular, mixed accommodation is seen to be threatening and unsafe, especially for those women who have experienced sexual abuse or violence.

Nicola Harwin, Chief Executive of Women's Aid spoke at the launch at the House of Commons: "Women's Aid welcomes this research from Crisis. It is a timely reminder of the needs of a group of women who have for too long been overlooked. The findings are shocking but sadly not surprising - they are the sad reality for many homeless women. The research shows how many homeless women have experienced domestic and sexual violence and are not only homeless because of that abuse,  but are often revictimised in their attempts to keep a roof over their heads - forced to trade sex for somewhere to sleep or the promise of safety."

From Women's Aid News

To download the report access the CRISIS website at the link to the right of this page or go to the housing and homelessness section of the NDVF Library.