New duties for councils on accommodation for abuse victims

New regulations and guidance has been published outlining the level of support councils are required to provide for victims of domestic abuse.

The duties include a clear expectation that expert specialist support is provided to victims in safe accommodation that best supports their needs, whether in refuges or other safe housing, as well as extra guidance that shows that councils will support to victims to stay in their own homes, if the perpetrator has left and the home can be made safe.

Councils have already benefited from £125 million to start to meet their duties. Support for victims will include counselling for adults and children, advocacy with services such as GPs, social workers and welfare benefits, support with rehousing, and advice on staying safe.

Eddie Hughes, Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing, said: “Domestic abuse is a horrendous crime and specialist support from experienced domestic abuse services is key if victims and their families are going to get the help they need to rebuild their lives. This is an important step in making sure victims up and down the country who need a place of safety receive the level of care they deserve.”

Councils will have to work with partners such as police and local domestic abuse charities and publish strategies on how they will provide support to victims who need safe accommodation by January 2022.