Councils Fail Domestic Violence Victims

Victims of domestic violence who need to be re-housed are being turned away by cash-strapped councils. Charities, refuges and solicitors have warned that councils, which are facing budget reductions and high demand for accommodation, are increasingly failing to carry out their legal duties to help those fleeing domestic violence. Eaves, a charity providing a pan-London advice line for domestic violence victims, reports that on average it is forced to get a solicitor to write to councils once a week because they are failing to fulfil their legal duties. Local authorities are required under the Housing Act 1996 to put domestic violence victims in temporary accommodation if they are homeless or threatened with homelessness. They should then investigate the case and re-home them permanently if necessary. Read more on Inside Housing.