£3.7 million to fund accommodation for abuse victims

The Respite Rooms Trial Programme will see 12 local areas across England share £3.7 million to fund accommodation and expert support for victims of violence and abuse.

Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing Eddie Hughes said that the programme, first announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak during the Budget, will see safe housing offered to victims of domestic abuse, rape or sexual assault, sex workers, victims of exploitation, or violence who are sleeping rough or at risk of rough sleeping.

The £3.7 million of funding will create a total of 140 bed spaces and support an estimated 1,100 people over a 12 month trial period.

As part of the programme, victims will be offered advice and support to access suitable more permanent safe accommodation.

The 12 areas across England that will receive funding under the trial programme are: Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Birmingham, Bristol, Camden, Hastings and East Sussex, Exeter, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham, Portsmouth and Westminster.

Hughes said: “Survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence or physical violence need a safe place of refuge to escape these crimes and rebuild their lives. These respite rooms will provide a safe space and ensure vulnerable people at risk of sleeping rough are supported in safe housing with expert advice and counselling. This programme is part of the government’s much wider action to help the most vulnerable in our communities, with £750 million investment this year to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping.”