Safe accommodation duty – Domestic Abuse Strategy consultation
Consultation closed: Sunday 28 November 2021
Consultation opened: Monday 8 November 2021
The new safe accommodation duty under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 covers the provision of support to victims and their children residing in some or all of the following:
Refuge accommodation
A refuge offers accommodation and intensive support which is tied to that accommodation. Victims, including their children, must be refuge residents to access expert emotional and practical support.
Specialist safe accommodation
Accommodation for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities; Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning (LGBTQ+) communities; disabled victims and their children. These may provide single gender accommodation with dedicated specialist support to victims who share a protected characteristic(s). This includes services that are led by those that also share the protected characteristic and/or have complex needs.
Dispersed accommodation
Safe (secure and dedicated to supporting victims of domestic abuse), self-contained accommodation with the safe level of specialist domestic abuse support as provided within a refuge but which may be more suitable for victims who are unable to stay in a refuge with communal spaces due to complex support needs or for families with teenage sons for example.
Safe (secure and dedicated to supporting victims of domestic abuse), self-contained ‘semi-independent’ accommodation which is not within a refuge but with support for victims who may not require the intensive support offered through refuge and are still at risk of abuse from their perpetrator(s).
Sanctuary schemes
Properties with local authority installed sanctuary schemes or other similar schemes, which provide enhanced physical security measures within a home. A sanctuary scheme is a survivor centred initiative which aims to make it possible for victims of domestic abuse to remain in their own homes, where it is safe for them to do so, where it is their choice, and where the perpetrator does not live in the accommodation.
Move-on or second stage accommodation
These are interchangeable terms for projects temporarily accommodating victims, including families who no longer need the intensive level of support provided in a refuge, but would still benefit from a lower level of domestic abuse specific support for a period before they move to fully independent and permanent accommodation. There is no expectation that every victim will require this. Many victims are ready to move straight to a permanent new home from refuge. However, move-on and / or second stage accommodation may be helpful in some case.
Accommodation designated by the local housing authority, registered social landlord or registered charity as domestic abuse emergency accommodation
A safe place with support. To give victims an opportunity to spend a temporary period to make decisions in an environment which is self-contained and safe. This would include access to wrap around support and specialist support for victims with complex needs (including mental health needs and substance misuse.