Housing after domestic abuse — homelessness applications and safety at home

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-09-01

You do not have to stay because of housing

Fear of losing the home is one of the most common reasons people stay with an abusive partner. The law gives several routes out, and the councils' duties are stronger for domestic abuse than many people realise.

Homelessness help from the council

If you are homeless or will become homeless within 8 weeks, apply to any council's housing options team. Being fleeing domestic abuse counts as priority need in most situations.
Councils must carry out a homelessness assessment and produce a personal housing plan.
Where domestic abuse makes it unreasonable to continue occupying your home, the council cannot simply tell you to stay and "sort it out" — abuse means the home is not reasonable to occupy.
Deliberately making yourself homeless can reduce duties, but fleeing abuse is not treated as intentional homelessness.

Staying in the home instead

An occupation order can exclude the abuser from the home even if they own or rent it; a non-molestation order protects you directly. Both are free to apply for.
The police can issue emergency protection (a Domestic Violence Protection Notice followed by a DVPO) to remove a perpetrator for up to 28 days.
Sanctuary schemes (where offered locally) install security measures — locks, alarms, paneled doors — so a victim can remain safely at home with the perpetrator excluded.
A home safety visit from the police or fire service can add practical security quickly.

Refuges and temporary accommodation

Refuges offer safe, confidential accommodation with specialist support; access is usually via the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline, not by walking in.
Refuges can accept women from other areas (and some accept women without local connection conditions); men, LGBT+ victims and older people have dedicated services — the helpline will route you.
If you have no recourse to public funds, tell the refuge — there are specific funded places for that situation.

Money matters

Universal credit can be split into separate payments for couples where controlling financial abuse is present; ask the Jobcentre.
Crisis grants and budgeting loans exist for setting up a new home; local welfare assistance schemes vary by council.

Official links

https://www.gov.uk/homelessness-help-from-council
https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
https://www.gov.uk/injunction-domestic-violence
https://www.shelter.org.uk/

This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with HMCTS or gov.uk.

Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.