If you want or need to leave home, find out about the housing support available.
Stay with family and friends
This may be a safe option and give you some support. It is possible that your abuser will guess where you are and this may only be a short term solution. If you live in a council home, please contact your housing officer for support as soon as possible, especially if you're unable to stay in your home.
Go to a women’s refuge
You can get a space in a refuge by calling the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247. Refuges are safe houses for women and children who are escaping domestic violence. Help will be available on matters such as:
- welfare rights
- legal issues
- accommodation options
Refuge addresses are confidential to ensure the safety of those who live there. Refuges accept all women, with or without children. Some do not take boys over 12. You can find out more about refuges, visit the Refuge website.
Emergency accommodation from a council
All councils have a legal duty to give advice and help to homeless people. If you’re too frightened to stay in Camden you can contact another council.
Contact us for homelessness advice
As you’ve left your home due to violence, you will not be intentionally homeless. If you’re rehoused by a council, you’ll probably have to spend time in a bed and breakfast or hostel before you're rehoused permanently.
If you’re a council tenant, you can contact your housing officer. They will provide advice on your options such as:
- alarms
- neighbour support network
- mobile patrol
- injunctions
Contact your housing officer
If you are still in danger you can apply to transfer to another home in Camden or another borough. You will be given a high priority as long as you’re a council tenant and you’re:
- in temporary accommodation (including a refuge)
- staying with friends
- staying in your home
If you leave your home due to domestic violence, we would like to remove your abuser from the property. To do this we need your agreement as you will be required to attend court to give evidence of the violence you have suffered.
Renting privately
If you decide to find somewhere to rent privately, you may be able to get Housing Benefit.
Getting control of your present home
Under the Family Law Act 1996 you can apply to the courts to have your abuser removed from your present home. This is called an Occupation Order. Whether or not you decide to do this will depend on how safe you feel you may be in your home. If you’re getting divorced, jointly-owned property will be sorted out as part of the divorce settlement. This may take a long time so you may wish to make alternative arrangements in the meantime.
Making your home safe
If you wish to remain in your home but are fearful because of security and safety issues, you can contact the Safehome Project. This service is for anyone living in Camden who is as risk of homelessness due to domestic violence.