Domestic Violence: A Question of Housing?

Abstract

It is widely acknowledged that the duties owed by local authorities under the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977 are of considerable practical importance to victims of domestic violence. Department of Environment figures¹ show that a steady stream of applications to housing departments for rehousing are a consequence of violent disputes between spouses or cohabitees. In the first half of 1982,11 per cent, of persons accepted by housing authorities in London for permanent accommodation, and 16 per cent, in other Metropolitan districts, fell into this category. It has also been demonstrated that women who have suffered violence often prefer rehousing to the prospect of returning to the former matrimonial home. The Women's Aid Federation report “Leaving Violent Men” found that only 8 per cent, of the women at refuges eventually went back to live in their old homes on leaving the refuge, and only half of these were still living there a year later when a follow-up study was done. Only 16 per cent, actually wanted to return home, though many more were attempting to do so because of pressure from the local authority.