New housing reforms could help domestic abuse survivors stay in their homes – and avoid debt

Victim-survivors of domestic abuse living in social housing could soon get greater protection under new government plans.

The proposals, which are part of the Social Housing Bill, would give social landlords and courts new powers to remove domestic abuse perpetrators from social housing while helping victim-survivors stay in their homes.

The government hopes the changes will stop victim-survivors from having to leave their homes, communities and support networks because of someone else's abusive behaviour.

As well as helping people stay safe, the reforms could also help protect them from financial problems. Leaving an abusive relationship often comes with extra costs, and for some victim-survivors, that can include debt.

Last year, around 15,000 households had to move to a new social home because of domestic abuse. The new measures aim to reduce that number by making it easier for victim-survivors to stay put while perpetrators are removed.

What would change?

At the moment, some victim-survivors living in social housing can find themselves in a difficult position.

If a couple has a joint tenancy, a perpetrator may be able to end it by serving notice. This can leave the victim-survivors facing the loss of their home through no fault of their own.

Under the proposed reforms, perpetrators would no longer be able to end a joint tenancy while court proceedings are taking place.

The government also wants to make it easier for a tenancy to be transferred into the victim-survivor’s name. If staying in the property isn't safe or suitable, landlords would be expected to help find alternative accommodation.

The aim is simple. Victim-survivors should not be the ones forced to leave.

How abusers can use housing to control someone

Domestic abuse isn't always physical.

Many people experience economic abuse, where money, finances or access to essential resources are used as a way to control them.

An abuser might stop someone from accessing their own money, prevent them from working, control household spending or build up debt in their name.

Housing can also be used as a form of control.

Someone may threaten to end a tenancy, refuse to leave the property or use the fear of homelessness to stop a victim-survivor from leaving the relationship.

When a person feels they have nowhere else to go, it can make it much harder to escape abuse.

The link between domestic abuse and debt

Domestic abuse can have a serious impact on someone's finances.

Some victim-survivors leave abusive relationships with debts they didn't create. Others have been pressured into borrowing money or taking out credit.

In some cases, an abuser may run up bills in someone else's name or leave them responsible for debts they can't afford to repay.

Moving home can make these problems even worse.

Finding money for a deposit, moving costs and basic household items can be difficult, especially for someone who has already lost control of their finances.

Some people may fall behind on rent, council tax or energy bills. Others may need to borrow money just to cover essential costs.

This can leave victim-survivors dealing with debt at the same time as they are trying to rebuild their lives.

How the changes could help victim-survivors

Being able to stay in a safe home could make a huge difference.

It can help survivors avoid many of the costs that come with moving. It can also help them stay close to schools, family, friends and support services.

For someone already struggling with money, avoiding the expense of moving home could reduce the risk of falling into debt.

Having a stable home can also make it easier to keep up with bills, manage existing debts and plan for the future.

The proposed reforms won't solve every problem linked to domestic abuse, but they could remove one of the biggest financial pressures survivors face.

Getting finances back on track after abuse

Recovering from domestic abuse takes time.

As well as rebuilding their confidence and sense of safety, many survivors need to repair the damage abuse has caused to their finances.

That might mean dealing with debts, catching up on bills or rebuilding a credit record.

Having a secure place to live can make this process much easier. It gives people the stability they need to focus on moving forward without worrying about where they'll live next.

Support is available

If you're experiencing domestic abuse, support is available. Here are some organisations that can help:

Homepage - National Domestic Abuse Helpline

Home - Women's Aid

Domestic abuse - free counselling & mental health support London

Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men | Men's Advice Line UK

If abuse has affected your finances, getting debt advice can help you understand your options and take steps towards regaining control of your money.

Nobody should have to choose between their safety and having a roof over their head. These proposed reforms are an important step towards making sure survivors can stay safe, stay housed and avoid the debt that too often follows abuse.