Leaving an abusive relationship is an act of courage. But for thousands of people across England, this step toward safety immediately leads to a new, severe crisis: homelessness.

We work daily to address the devastating overlap between domestic abuse and housing insecurity. It’s a complex crisis that leaves families isolated and struggling for stability long after they have escaped danger.

Leaving with nothing but the clothes on your back

When a survivor flees an abusive home, the priority is immediate safety.

The police and support agencies often advise adults affected by domestic violence to leave the family home instantly – and to leave everything else behind.

In the rush for safety, survivors are often left with nothing. No clothes for the children, no bedding, no school uniforms, and critically, no essential documentation.

Imagine trying to rebuild your life when you are scrambling to replace:

• Birth certificates and passports
• Essential ID (needed for everything from school enrolment to bank accounts)
• A simple change of clothes or bedding
• Basic electricals like a kettle or toaster
• School uniforms that allow a child to keep a semblance of normality

This instant, total loss of belongings and identity creates a massive roadblock to recovery.

A stark connection

The link between domestic abuse and homelessness is undeniable and growing.

Abuse is a leading cause of family homelessness in England.

Official figures confirm the scale:

In 2024-25, over 16,850 households were registered as homeless or threatened with homelessness due to domestic abuse – a rise of 7.1% in one year.

This rising number of families seeking safety means a soaring demand for temporary accommodation (TA), which is the next, often prolonged, stage of the crisis.

The temporary trap: life in limbo

While temporary accommodation (TA) provides an initial lifeline, the reality of living in limbo is harrowing, especially for families.

The struggle to secure permanent housing for families is significantly harder than for single individuals, as properties with multiple bedrooms are scarce.

This results in victims of domestic abuse being stuck in TA for long periods.

England currently holds a record high for households in TA, including over 172,420 children who are growing up in temporary housing.

Tragically, some families find themselves in TA for years, with reports showing that one in five families with children have been housed temporarily for five or more years.

Life in TA – often in crowded hostels or bed and breakfasts – can be isolating, unsuitable for children’s development, and geographically distant from schools, support networks, and job opportunities.

Why temporary is still tense

Even in TA, survivors face huge financial barriers that hinder their path to self-sufficiency:

Rent is still due: families must pay rent for their TA. High costs mean that even with Housing Benefit, very little income is left for daily necessities.

The ID barrier: without essential documents (often left behind in the rush to flee), survivors cannot complete the rigorous processes required to apply for Universal Credit or other benefits.

Visa restrictions: women on spouse visas may have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), leaving them with zero access to benefits, regardless of their safety needs.

Benefits in the partner’s name: if prior benefits were claimed jointly, they are often registered in the abusive partner’s name or paid into their bank account, requiring a complex and lengthy transfer process.

Trapped between high housing costs and a broken benefits system, those affected are left unable to feed their children, keep them clothed, or pay for transport to school.

Our role: plugging the gaps, providing hope

This is where Church Homeless Charity grants step in.

Our mission is to plug these gaps and provide the essential practical support that allows a parent to breathe and begin the process of rebuilding.

Our donors are instrumental in delivering direct, life-changing aid:

• Replacing essentials: we provide new bedding, cooking equipment, and appliances so a mother can cook healthy meals and her children can sleep with dignity.
• Enabling education: we fund new school uniforms, ensuring children can attend school without stigma and maintain a semblance of normal life.
• Securing futures: we help with the costs of replacing lost ID and securing new bank accounts, which unlocks access to benefits and employment.
• Creating a home: we help furnish and prepare permanent homes once they are secured, ensuring the family moves into a safe and homely environment.

“I’ve been going through a very difficult period, emotionally and financially, and this support allowed me to cover some urgent needs like food, transport, and basic personal items. It gave me a bit of relief and reminded me that I’m not completely alone.” Amma*

With your help, we can help more women across England to rewrite their story – from one of survival to one of stability, security, and strength.