October 2021 – New Duty to Support Victims of Domestic Violence and Abuse

The duty is contained in Part 4 of the Domestic Abuse Act and applies to the provision of support for all victims of domestic abuse including their children, by local authorities within relevant accommodation. Relevant accommodation is accommodation which is provided by a local housing authority, a private registered provider of social housing or a registered charity whose objects include the provision of support to victims of domestic abuse and includes

 Refuge accommodation

Specialist safe accommodation

Dispersed accommodation

Second stage accommodation or

Other accommodation designated by the local housing authority, private registered provider of social housing or registered charity as domestic abuse emergency accommodation

 Importantly, the use of Bed and Breakfast accommodation or shared hostels is specifically excluded.

 The guidance also specifies what local authorities should do to fulfil their statutory responsibilities including that:

There is 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

B&B or mixed homeless hostels are not the right place for victims to recover from abuse and

Local authorities should support victims to stay in their own homes, if the perpetrator has left and the home can be made safe

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