Domestic Abuse Awareness Month: the link between abuse and women’s homelessness
More must be done to protect the women facing impossible choices
October is Domestic Abuse Awareness Month - a time to acknowledge the devastating impact of abuse and remember that domestic abuse remains a leading cause of homelessness amongst women.
Home should be a place of comfort and safety – but for too many women it’s a place of fear. Across Kent, violence against women and girls has risen by almost 40% in recent years, forcing them into unsafe and unstable living situations.
More must be done to protect the women facing impossible choices.
Why do domestic abuse survivors often experience homelessness?
Leaving an abusive relationship is never simple and survivors often face overwhelming barriers that make it incredibly difficult to rebuild their lives.
Many are isolated from friends and family, a deliberate tactic by abusers to cut off sources of support. Others have no access to money because their partner controls their finances. Even for those who can leave, most housing remains unaffordable. It’s no surprise that for many women staying feels like the only option.
Sometimes, though, fleeing becomes a matter of survival. Women often leave with nothing but the clothes they are wearing, nobody to safely turn to and no money for emergency accommodation.
Despite these dangers, the streets can feel safer than the home they’ve escaped.
That’s why supporting survivors isn’t just about helping them to leave abuse behind - it’s about providing affordable housing, emotional support and stability so that they can leave safely.
Women’s homelessness and complex health needs
Women experiencing homelessness are among the most vulnerable people in our communities. Many have complex physical and mental health support needs. They’ve experienced trauma – before and after losing their homes.
Shockingly, the average age of death for women experiencing homelessness is just 43 years old.
A few years ago, we carried out research in homelessness amongst women in Kent. It revealed:
66% reported physical health problems
83% had experienced mental ill health
66% had felt suicidal while rough sleeping
These figures paint a stark picture of the deep and lasting impact of trauma. In addition to this, women experiencing homelessness face frightening risks of violence and abuse. As a result, they try to stay hidden and are less likely to be reached by services that can help.
Many turned to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism, putting women who were already vulnerable in even more danger of violence, exploitation and abuse.
62% drank alcohol (of these, 83% drank daily, with 56% potentially developing an alcohol dependency)
33% used illegal drugs
How Porchlight supports women
We’re committed to supporting women facing homelessness and domestic abuse, with specialist staff and a dedicated pot of money that’s used to move women off the streets quickly by paying for emergency accommodation and essential items. This fund, which relies on public donations, is being used more than ever.
But recovery takes more than a roof over someone’s head. When women have lived through trauma, they need long-term emotional support to rebuild confidence and independence.
Megan* experienced this first-hand. After fleeing domestic abuse, she and her partner spent two years sofa surfing and living in temporary accommodation before Porchlight found them a home.
I'm now able to walk down the high-street with my head held high
“Because of the domestic violence I’d experienced, I became reliant on my partner and too scared to leave the house unless he was there,” she explains. “But I wanted to get my life back.”
With help from one of our support workers, Megan gradually regained her confidence.
“Every time we met it would be a little further away, and that made me realise I can do things without help. My mental strength is incredible now. I’m able to walk down the high street with my head held high.”
Megan’s story shows what’s possible when women are given safety, support and belief in themselves.
In Bexley, we have a property for mothers and children that provides a safe, supportive environment, help to access more permanent housing and health and wellbeing services. We also run a ‘sisterhood group’ - bi-weekly, women-only meetings where clients can socialise, seek advice and connect with others who’ve had similar experiences.
Together, we can help women find safety and stability
With access to safe, secure housing, and the right mental health and trauma support, domestic abuse survivors can recover and thrive.
At Porchlight, we stand with women during every step of their journey as they regain confidence, independence and control over their lives.
Read our full report on the devastating impact of homelessness on women in Kent.
* name has been changed to protect identity
