Domestic Abuse Victims Must Stay Local: A Death Sentence?

writing in black marker on a green wall says 'strike that bitch in the face while the iron is hot

The headline of this post suggests that a victim leaving a domestic abuser, but not that abuser’s neighbourhood, could have fatal consequences. That might seem to be an idea that is over the top. Regardless, it will linger in the minds of those who have momentarily escaped domestic abuse. And unfortunately, their fear has a basis in reality — a subsequent assault by the abuser, even a deadly one.

How does such a crisis come about? Leaving an abusive partner often comes at the price of losing shelter. That goes for both the abuse sufferer and any dependent children who are also forced to leave.

In this very frequent case, social housing may be the only affordable shelter option for the escapee and dependents.

Unfortunately, in the United Kingdom, those seeking social housing support are required to have a link to the neighbourhood where they apply for relief.

That will almost certainly be the abuser’s neighbourhood. Far from being safe, such a condition immeasurably increases the chances that an escapee will either accidentally encounter their abuser, or some friend or acquaintance who may report back to the abuser.

In the United Kingdom, there are signs of hope on the horizon. A proposal is under study that would relax the geographic social housing requirement for those escaping domestic abuse.

Other support for domestic abuse victims is also being explored, such as requiring abusers to leave the family home, making it possible for victims and their dependents to return and live there. As well, further UK changes to support victims of domestic violence are currently being investigated. Read more in The Guardian: Plan to change social housing rules to help domestic abuse victims