Domestic abuse accommodation support
Domestic abuse survivors frequently not receiving adequate accommodation support from local authorities, despite statutory duties.
1,072 items
12 sources
2 inquiries
Strongest theme matches
Mixed across source types and ranked by classifier confidence plus text match strength.
Committee recommendation
100match
#12 - Domestic abuse survivors frequently lack adequate accommodation support despite statutory local authority duties.
The Committee is aware of examples where domestic abuse survivors did not receive adequate support. Examples shared during our evidence session included women turning to an MP’s advice surgery for support having struggled to be rehomed despite engaging with the local authority and housing association.26 The 2021 Domestic Abuse Act introduced a new statutory duty making MHCLG responsible...
Matched on
terms: abuse, accommodation, domestic, support
Committee recommendation
94match
#27 - Pathfinder scheme pilots show improved experiences for domestic abuse victims and reduced case durations.
MoJ told us that it has been piloting a new model for private law through the ‘Pathfinder’ scheme, the aim of which was to improve experience for victims of domestic abuse by taking a whole system approach to improving services. Key features of the initiative include: 58 Q 39 59 Qq 9, 13, 68; C&AG’s Report, para 8...
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic, support
Committee recommendation
90match
#16 - Add 'victims of domestic abuse' category to Universal Credit Additional Support Area.
We heard in evidence that when using the ‘Additional Support Area’ in Universal Credit, DWP officials are able to record support needs under the following eight categories: care leavers; armed forces; ex-offender; homeless or risk of homelessness; limited digital ability or accessibility; difficulties with English; drug and alcohol misuse; and an ‘other’ box. It is our view that...
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic, support
Committee recommendation
89match
#3 - Third Report - Exempt Accommodation
It is egregious that organisations with no expertise are able to target survivors of domestic abuse and their children and provide neither specialist support nor an appropriate or safe environment. Where a prospective resident of exempt accommodation is a survivor of domestic abuse, there must be a requirement that housing benefit is only paid to providers that have...
Matched on
terms: abuse, accommodation, domestic, support
Committee recommendation
86match
#12 - Set out intended timetable for commencing provisions of Child Support Collection (Domestic Abuse) Bill.
We strongly support the aims of the Child Support Collection (Domestic Abuse) Bill, which would allow domestic abuse cases to skip Direct Pay and move straight to Collect and Pay. We welcome the Government’s support for that legislation. In response to this Report, the Government should set out the intended timetable for commencing the provisions in the Child...
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic, support
Committee recommendation
82match
#10 - Require local authorities to consult domestic abuse charities on FGDM decisions involving abuse.
We consider that local authorities should draw on the advice of specialist domestic abuse charities in coming to a decision on whether FGDM is in the child’s best interests where domestic abuse has occurred. (Conclusion, Paragraph 41)
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic
Committee recommendation
80match
#3 - Ninth Report - Child Maintenance
The Department’s system of child maintenance is not designed to protect those subject to domestic abuse or coercive control. The Department designed the current child maintenance system to emphasise collaboration between parents, with the CMS available as a voluntary safety net that separated parents can choose to use if they decide to. For survivors of domestic abuse, the...
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic, support
LGO / SPSO decision
80match
25-004-156 - London Borough of Hackney
Summary: Ms X complained about the Council’s actions after she told it she was a victim of domestic abuse. We find the Council at fault in its handling of her initial approach, including its treatment of her at its offices, its failure to complete a Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour Based Violence risk assessment, and its failure to...
Matched on
terms: abuse, accommodation, domestic
Committee recommendation
78match
#25 - Collect and Pay fees remain unjustified for child maintenance cases involving domestic abuse
It is particularly difficult to understand how fees, intended to incentivise the use of Direct Pay, can be justified in cases where the Department appears to have accepted such arrangements are not appropriate, such as in cases of domestic abuse. The Department should introduce a mechanism to waive Collect and Pay fees for customers who have been subject...
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic
Committee recommendation
77match
#1 - Committee welcomes new Child Support Bills for domestic abuse and enforcement improvements
We welcome the Child Support Collection (Domestic Abuse) Bill and the Child Support (Enforcement) Bill and their aims. We provide information later in this Report on how these pieces of legislation will help improve the effectiveness of the Child Maintenance Service.
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic, support
Committee recommendation
77match
#27 - DfE conducts extensive early intervention and increases funding for family domestic abuse support.
We asked DfE what work it was doing to protect children and young people as well as prevent them from becoming perpetrators in the future. DfE told us it was doing a lot work through early interventions of family support which it told us supported 60,000 families across England where there are early signs of domestic abuse. Going...
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic, support
Committee recommendation
74match
#11 - Provide a detailed timetable for implementing recommendations from domestic abuse review work.
We thank Dr Samantha Callan for her independent and detailed report on the Child Maintenance Service’s response to domestic abuse and we welcome the broadly positive approach the Government has taken in its response to that review, accepting most of the recommendations. The Government should, in its response to this Report, provide a timetable for the work arising...
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic
Committee recommendation
73match
#19 - Ninth Report - Child Maintenance
Parents can use the child maintenance system to continue to abuse their former partners, for example by withholding payments or access to children. Written evidence from Gingerbread and the Domestic Abuse Commissioner set out that, for survivors of domestic abuse, the CMS may be the safest and only way to secure maintenance from their ex-partner.34 However, although vulnerable...
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic
Committee recommendation
72match
#4 - Seventh Report - Children in poverty: No recourse to public funds
We recommend the Government ensures the Support for Migrant Victims Scheme is evaluated swiftly and consequential policy decisions are made quickly. The pilot must be fully rolled out or alternative measures put in place immediately to ensure that survivors of domestic abuse, including children, receive support when and where it is needed. We ask the Government to update...
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic, support
LGO / SPSO decision
72match
21-016-070 - London Borough of Haringey
Summary: We found fault with the Council for failing to move Ms X to alternative temporary accommodation when it decided her accommodation was unsuitable. This caused Ms X an injustice because she lived in unsuitable accommodation. It also caused her distress and placed her at risk of domestic abuse. The Council agreed actions to remedy the injustice to...
Matched on
terms: abuse, accommodation, domestic
LGO / SPSO decision
72match
25-001-204 - London Borough of Enfield
Summary: Ms X complained the Council did not secure suitable accommodation when she fled domestic abuse in 2023 and subsequently disposed of her personal property. She said it caused significant mental anguish and distress and a large financial loss. We have decided to end the investigation because the matters occurred more than 12 months before Ms X complained...
Matched on
terms: abuse, accommodation, domestic
PFD report
69match
Kelly Sutton
Valuable non-crime domestic abuse information is fragmented and not available as a national police resource, hindering effective safeguarding of potential victims.
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic
PFD report
69match
Aliny Godinho
Ongoing risks exist due to delayed training for Domestic Abuse Team staff and supervisors on updated policies. There is also no system for effective supervisory review of initial risk assessments and safeguarding plans.
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic
PFD report
69match
Kirsten Hocking
There is a critical lack of specialist rehabilitation accommodation for women at high risk of self-harm, leading to ineffective post-release support. Probation officers also lack sufficient understanding of available housing options and appropriate release planning.
Matched on
terms: accommodation, support
Committee recommendation
69match
#20 - Ninth Report - Child Maintenance
We asked the Department how it ensured that its approach to monitoring child maintenance cases was properly identifying and addressing cases of domestic abuse and coercive control, rather than waiting to be alerted through non-payment or through the receiving parent raising concerns, especially when they might not be in a position to do so. We were particularly concerned...
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic
IOPC learning recommendation
68match
Police contact with woman prior to her death - Metropolitan Police Service, October 2020
The IOPC recommends that the MPS domestic abuse policy is updated to reflect the national College of Policing APP guidance which suggests when investigating a domestic incident where counter allegations are made risk assessments should be conducted for both parties. This follows an IOPC investigation following the death of a female who had previously been arrested by the...
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic, support
IOPC learning recommendation
67match
National recommendation - The College of Policing, June 2021
The IOPC recommends that the College of Policing explores potential opportunities to support forces in managing the risk posed by perpetrators of domestic abuse (to either victims, others or themselves) who express credible suicidal threats or ideation. When completing a DASH risk assessment with officers, the victim disclosed that the perpetrator suffered from PTSD and had previously threatened...
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic, support
LGO / SPSO decision
67match
23-017-294 - London Borough of Islington
Summary: We have found fault with the Council for failing to secure suitable accommodation for Miss X when she was homeless after fleeing domestic abuse. This caused Miss X prolonged uncertainty and distress. The Council has agreed to remedy Miss X’s avoidable injustice by securing suitable accommodation, an apology and a payment.
Matched on
terms: abuse, accommodation, domestic
Committee recommendation
65match
#16 - Require Sentencing Council to include motivations of honour as an aggravating factor in domestic abuse guideline
It is reassuring to hear judges have robustly rejected any attempts to use ‘honour’ to reduce a sentence. Explicitly recognising so-called honour in sentencing guidelines would go further; it would strengthen the understanding that honour-based abuse is taken seriously by the criminal justice system and only ever as an aggravating factor. We recommend the Sentencing Council considers including...
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic
Committee recommendation
64match
#3 - Seventh Report - Children in poverty: No recourse to public funds
We heard worrying evidence about the impact of the NRPF condition on survivors of domestic violence, including children. We are pleased that the Government has launched the Support for Migrant Victims Scheme pilot, in addition to the support offered through the Destitution Domestic Violence Concession. We are, however, concerned the pilot ended on 31 March 2022, and now...
Matched on
terms: domestic, support
Committee recommendation
64match
#18 - Ninth Report - Child Maintenance
The Department designed the current child maintenance system to emphasise collaboration between parents, with the CMS available as a voluntary safety net for those separated parents to choose to use if they decide to.31 Written evidence from the Domestic Abuse Commissioner referred to the Department’s data suggesting “a strong prevalence of domestic abuse among receiving parents accessing the...
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic
LGO / SPSO decision
64match
21-015-756 - West Northamptonshire Council
Summary: Ms X complained about the way the Council responded when she asked to move house because she was at risk of domestic abuse. This caused Ms X distress. We found fault with the Council. The Council agreed actions to remedy the injustice to Ms X.
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic
Committee recommendation
64match
#11 - Sixth Report - Protecting the homeless and the private rented sector: MHCLG’s response to Covid-19
We call on the Government to return to the spirit of the early pandemic and re- commit to Everyone In. This requires providing legal clarity for local authorities. We recommend the Government immediately issues clear guidance to local authorities stating that they can and should use their legal powers under the Local Government Act 1972 and NHS Act...
Matched on
terms: accommodation, support
Committee recommendation
60match
#21 - Ninth Report - Child Maintenance
The Department told us that it provided specific training for staff to identify domestic abuse and coercive control, and that it could put in place controls to avoid contact with the paying parent (such as non-geographic bank accounts). It explained that it also had a “six-point domestic abuse plan for any threat of danger”.42 However, stakeholders sent us...
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic
Committee recommendation
60match
#1 - Twenty-Fifth Report - Asylum accommodation and support transformation programme
On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Home Office (the Department) about asylum accommodation and support services in the UK.2
Matched on
terms: accommodation, support
Committee recommendation
60match
#6 - Include specific questions on honour-based abuse within the Domestic Abuse Risk Assessment tool
The Government must include specific questions on honour-based abuse in the Domestic Abuse Risk Assessment tool to help both victims and police officers identify risks confidently and accurately.
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic
IOPC learning recommendation
60match
Recommendation - Kent Police, February 2021
The IOPC recommends that Kent Police reviews its domestic abuse policy and includes clear guidance for officers dealing with cases where they are informed by the victim of the perpetrators suicidal threats or ideation. The guidance should detail how officers ensure that the risk to the perpetrator is clearly identifiable and visible to those involved in the investigation...
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic
IOPC learning recommendation
60match
Recommendation - Avon and Somerset Police, March 2025
The IOPC recommends that Avon and Somerset Police implement a dynamic triaging process for Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) applications. This will establish the level of risk for the applicant throughout the process and prioritise those with a higher level of potential risk. Avon and Somerset Police must take the necessary steps to ensure that the safeguarding of...
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic
IOPC learning recommendation
60match
Recommendation - Home Office, September 2024
The IOPC recommends that the Home Office amends its Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) statutory guidance to advise police forces to triage DVDS applications in a risk-based approach. It is suggested the guidance can be amended to instruct police forces to prioritise DVDS applications where the applicant/victim is known to have additional vulnerabilities, and to also prioritise DVDS...
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic
IOPC learning recommendation
60match
Recommendations - Sussex Police, September 2024
The IOPC recommends that Sussex Police should amend their policies, training and practices around policing and safeguarding victims of domestic abuse to reflect the escalating risk if there are multiple domestic abuse incidents in a short period. Should officers attend domestic incidents relating to a victim three times within a six-month period, they should consider this to be...
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic
LGO / SPSO decision
60match
25-002-786 - London Borough of Lewisham
Summary: Miss X complained about the Council’s handling of her homeless application. The Council was at fault for failing to carry out a medical assessment. The Council was not at fault for providing temporary accommodation to Miss X in an area she was at risk of abuse. There is no evidence it knew Miss X was at risk...
Matched on
terms: abuse, accommodation
LGO / SPSO decision
59match
22-002-631 - Oxfordshire County Council
Summary: Ms X complained the Council did not properly consider the impact of domestic abuse when carrying out a child and family assessment in 2020. This complaint has been investigated using the children’s statutory complaints process. There was no fault with that investigation, and it is unlikely I could achieve anything more by further investigation. The Council was...
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic
Committee recommendation
59match
#13 - 5th Report - Housing Conditions in Temporary Accommodation
We remain concerned that the definition of B&B in the Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation) (England) Order 2003 does not prevent families being placed in similar accommodation, without any restrictions on the time local authorities can house them there. We recognise that the availability of support in council-owned or voluntary sector hostels may benefit some households and help them...
Matched on
terms: accommodation, support
IMB recommendation
59match
Low Newton (2020)
The prison would benefit from more funding to provide extra domestic violence support, trauma counselling, supported accommodation and social work, both in the prison and on release.
Matched on
terms: accommodation, domestic, support
PFD report
57match
Avis Addison
Concerns about ensuring GP practices have robust domestic violence and safeguarding policies/training, and implementing "early warning systems" for suspicious missed appointments or uncollected prescriptions.
Matched on
terms: domestic
PFD report
57match
Saima Usman
Privately rented accommodation in Wandsworth is at increased fire and CO risk due to the lack of mandatory smoke/CO detectors, as the borough has no registered landlord scheme or enforcement powers.
Matched on
terms: accommodation
PFD report
57match
REDACTED
The deceased's general practitioner was not invited to MARAC meetings, nor informed of domestic violence allegations or care proceedings, hindering effective mental health treatment.
Matched on
terms: domestic
PFD report
57match
Kellie Sutton
Police lacked understanding of coercive control and its link to suicide, alongside insufficient knowledge of when and how to apply for Domestic Violence Protection Notices.
Matched on
terms: domestic
PFD report
57match
Lee-Ann Ince
Agencies supporting the victim lacked understanding of coercive control and the impact of "love bombing." Children's concerns were overlooked, and the victim's physical health vulnerability was not recognised, increasing her risk.
Matched on
terms: support
IOPC learning recommendation
56match
Recommendation - Humberside Police, February 2021
The IOPC recommends that Humberside Police reviews its domestic abuse policy and includes clear guidance for officers dealing with cases where they are informed by the victim of the perpetrators suicidal threats or ideation. The guidance should detail how officers ensure that the risk to the perpetrator is clearly identifiable and visible to those involved in the investigation...
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic
IOPC learning recommendation
56match
Police contact with woman before being murdered by ex-partner – West Yorkshire Police, August 2019
The IOPC recommends that a system is put in place to track domestic abuse cases that are returned to officers because the minimum standards of investigation were not met. This system should ensure that cases are progressed with appropriate supervision and returned to the safeguarding unit for investigation where appropriate. This follows an IOPC investigation where a case...
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic
IMB recommendation
56match
Askham Grange (2024)
The Board recommends that the Prison Service ensures the provision of services to support prisoners who have been subject to sexual and domestic violence, following the Governor’s requests over the past 12 months.
Matched on
terms: domestic, support
Committee recommendation
56match
#14 - Reconsider Istanbul Convention Article 59 reservation and extend migrant victim support eligibility
The Support for Migrant Victims Scheme pilot has been valuable and we welcome its extension to 2025. However, there are shortfalls in funding to support victims with no recourse to public funds. We are concerned this is aggravated by the Government’s reservation on Article 59 of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women...
Matched on
terms: domestic, support
IOPC learning recommendation
56match
Officers investigate alleged domestic assault while another officer attempted to interfere with the investigation – Sussex Police, August...
The IOPC recommends that Sussex Police should revise their domestic abuse training package to ensure it reflects force policy. This states that officers should consider how people live as a family unit when assessing whether a person or persons are victims of domestic abuse. Do you accept the recommendation? Yes
Matched on
terms: abuse, domestic
Committee recommendation
55match
#10 - Sixth Report - Protecting the homeless and the private rented sector: MHCLG’s response to Covid-19
Everyone In by definition has finished. The Government believes Everyone In continues to exist, but by its own admission it is no longer helping everyone. The principle of Everyone In was that everyone, no matter what their normal eligibility for homelessness assistance, would be provided with accommodation to self-isolate by their local authority. The Government made a clear...
Matched on
terms: accommodation, support