Solace Women’s Aid has conducted research into the housing pathways of women and children survivors of domestic abuse who have come through Solace refuges.
This research highlights systemic unfairness and discrimination against women and children fleeing domestic abuse in London, but may demonstrate a pattern also found outside the capital.
The research undertaken by Solace shows that in many cases, the perpetrators of domestic abuse remain in the family home whilst survivors and their children are forced to move. These moves take place frequently between temporary and often unsuitable housing, which mean increased financial cost and poor recovery from the original trauma women and children experienced in the family home.
The impact of such numerous moves throughout the survivor journey can have a huge impact: children moving school many times may struggle to keep up with work or to make friends; survivors who move often may be unable to establish new friendships and networks, find work or continue with training and education; difficulty in finding work or continuing education may lead to financial instability and forced reliance on welfare benefits.
The full breakdown of the research findings, as well as Solace’s recommendations for action, can be found on the Solace Women’s Aid site.