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Looking for P3 Housing Association?
Go to P3 Housing
Leaving an abusive relationship can feel overwhelming. You may be worried about where you’ll live or how you’ll support yourself and your children, if you have them.
For some people experiencing domestic abuse, the fear of becoming homeless is one of the biggest barriers to leaving. But you should never have to choose between your safety and having somewhere to stay.
Whether you’re thinking about leaving, making plans or have already left an abusive situation, housing support is available. There are organisations that can help you find safe accommodation, understand your housing options and access the support you need to rebuild your life.
Domestic abuse is any behaviour used to control, intimidate, threaten or harm another person. It can happen in any relationship and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity or background.
Domestic abuse isn’t always physical. It can include:
Sometimes abuse develops gradually, making it difficult to recognise. If someone repeatedly makes you feel frightened, isolated or controlled, support is available.
People often ask, “Why doesn’t someone just leave?” The reality is that leaving an abusive relationship is rarely simple.
You may be worried about:
These concerns are completely understandable, as the risk of homelessness feels just as frightening as the abuse itself.
It’s important to know that seeking help doesn’t mean you have to make immediate decisions. Talking to someone about your options can help you understand what help is available and allow you to leave safely when you’re ready.
Every person’s situation is different, so the support available will depend on your personal circumstances. However, there are several housing options that may be available.
If you’re in immediate danger and can’t stay where you are, emergency accommodation may be available.
This could include:
Specialist domestic abuse services can help you find somewhere safe while supporting you with practical and emotional needs.
Contact Refuge for emergency support in a women’s only space.
Contact Mankind for emergency support in a male-only space.
Contact Citizens Advice for emergency support.
Contact Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline: Available 24/7 on 0808 2000 247.
How to make a silent 999 call if you’re in immediate danger but can’t speak.
If you can’t return home but need somewhere to stay while longer-term arrangements are made, temporary accommodation may be available through your local authority or support organisations.
Depending on your circumstances, this might include supported accommodation or temporary housing while a more permanent solution is found.
Get accommodation support near you.
Once you’re safe, support services can help you explore longer-term housing options, including:
The aim is not only to help you find somewhere to live, but to support you in creating a stable future.
Get accommodation support near you.
Some people become homeless after leaving domestic abuse. Others may be staying with friends or family, moving between different places or sleeping somewhere they don’t feel safe.
Even if you’ve already left and don’t have anywhere permanent to stay, support is still available. Housing organisations can help you understand your options, access emergency accommodation where appropriate and work towards finding longer-term housing.
At P3, we understand that everyone’s circumstances are different.
If you’re worried about your future housing situation because of domestic abuse, our teams can listen without judgement and help you understand what support may be available.
Depending on where you live and the services available in your area, we may be able to help with:
You don’t need to have all the answers before asking for help. Taking the first step by speaking to someone can make a real difference.
Reaching out can feel daunting, especially if you’ve never spoken about what’s happening before.
When you contact a support service, someone will usually take the time to listen to your situation and understand what you need.
They may talk to you about:
The aim is to help you understand your options and support you in making informed choices.
Many people worry about how leaving domestic abuse will affect their children.
Support services understand these concerns and can help you explore accommodation and support that considers your family’s needs. Keeping you and your children safe is always the priority.
If you have children, you may be supported by a few different services working together. This could include social workers, healthcare professionals, the police and housing support workers.
That might sound overwhelming, especially if your local authority is involved. But their shared goal is to help keep you and your children safe and together as you move forward.
Every situation is different, so it’s important to reach out to a support service. They can listen to your circumstances, explain your options and help you decide on the next steps that are right for you.
If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, you may have legal rights to housing support.
Local authorities have duties to help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, including those fleeing domestic abuse.
The support available will depend on your circumstances, so it’s important to seek advice as early as possible.
A housing adviser or support worker can help explain your options and guide you through the process.
Find housing advice and support near you.
Though people don’t always have time to prepare, if you’re thinking about leaving an abusive relationship, planning can help make the process safer.
You may want to prepare:
If preparing these items would increase your risk, don’t worry. Your safety is the most important thing, and support services can help you access many essentials afterwards.
Yes. If it’s unsafe for you to remain at home, emergency accommodation or a refuge may be available. A housing advisor or domestic abuse support service can help you understand your options.
Your local authority has duties to assist people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness due to domestic abuse. They can assess your situation and explain the support available.
A refuge is a safe, confidential place where people experiencing domestic abuse can stay while receiving practical and emotional support.
Yes. You do not have to report domestic abuse to the police to access many housing and support services. You can still seek advice and explore your options.
Yes. Domestic abuse can affect anyone, and support services are available for people of all genders.
Absolutely. Many organisations can help you understand your options, create a safety plan and prepare for leaving safely if that’s what you decide.
Leaving domestic abuse can be one of the hardest decisions someone makes, but you don’t have to go through it on your own.
Whether you need emergency accommodation, housing advice or simply someone to talk through your options with, support is available.
If you’re worried about becoming homeless because of domestic abuse, get in touch with P3 to find out what help may be available in your area.
If you’re in immediate danger, call 999. If you can’t speak, dial 999 and press 55 when prompted to let the operator know you need help.
