Housing referrals for domestic abuse advocates: a guide

Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs), Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs), and other domestic abuse advocates often work with clients who need safe housing urgently. Below, we set out how advocates can help their clients access housing support and what referral routes are available.

Why housing matters in domestic abuse cases

Safe and stable housing is often the most immediate priority for survivors of domestic abuse. Without it, survivors may feel unable to leave an abusive situation, may return to an unsafe relationship, or may experience further harm in inadequate temporary accommodation.

As an advocate, understanding the housing options, and how to support a client's application, can make a significant difference.

Route 1: Refuge

Refuge accommodation provides a safe place to stay for people leaving domestic abuse. Local refuge spaces can be found through the National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247, run by Refuge), which operates 24 hours a day. Referrals can be made by advocates or by the individual themselves.

Route 2: Homelessness application

Survivors of domestic abuse may be homeless within the legal definition, either because they have had to leave their home to escape abuse, or because they are at risk if they stay. They are also very likely to be in priority need because of their vulnerability.

An advocate can support the homelessness application by providing a supporting letter explaining the client's situation. The letter should:

• Confirm the relationship with the client and the professional context
• Describe the domestic abuse and its impact on the client's housing safety
• State whether there is a police report, criminal proceedings, or other evidence
• Explain why the client cannot safely return to the property

The council must treat the application sensitively and is not required to contact the abuser or share the client's location.

Route 3: Social housing transfer or priority banding

If the client is already a social housing tenant, they may be able to apply for a management transfer, a move to a different property to keep them safe. Local authorities and housing associations have discretion to fast-track applications in domestic abuse cases. An advocate's letter will be taken seriously.

Route 4: Staying in the family home

In some cases, the survivor may want to stay in the property and have the abuser removed. This may be possible through an occupation order from the family court, which can require the abusive partner to leave the property. Supporting the client in accessing legal advice quickly is important.

What about housing disrepair in the client's accommodation?

If the client's home, whether current, temporary, or refuge accommodation, is in poor condition and disrepair is adding to their difficulties, this may be something that can be addressed through a housing disrepair claim against the landlord.

When should I contact Support for Tenants?

If your client is a tenant whose home is in disrepair, whether that is the home they left, or somewhere they are now living, call us to discuss whether a claim is possible.

Call us on 0800 030 4669. No upfront cost; no cost to the client if the claim does not succeed.

Sources

• Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Housing Act 1996, Part 7 (homelessness) (legislation.gov.uk)

Related articles

• Free housing legal advice in England, where to get it