Salford City Council is celebrating after winning over £99,000 to provide safe space accommodation for women and men fleeing domestic abuse.
The funding will help people who currently do not automatically qualify for emergency accommodation and who might feel they have no choice but to stay in, or return to, abusive relationships.
It will provide nine accommodation places, at least one of which will be for emergencies when people have to leave the same day, along with support from experienced and qualified staff to help victims secure long term, safe housing.
Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, welcomed the news and said it was time for all survivors of domestic abuse to have the necessary support and resources to enable them to leave abusive situations.
“At the moment some people fleeing domestic abuse do not qualify for temporary accommodation under statutory provision. That can leave people feeling stuck in abusive relationships. A lack of refuge places, affordable private sector tenancies or available social housing compounds this situation. People feel that they have no viable options available to them,” he said.
“It’s a dreadful situation that needs to change but thanks to this funding, Salford City Council can now offer them a new service. Even if they are not classed as priority need under housing law we can now help them get into good quality, safe accommodation with the space and support they need to build a brighter future. They will be supported by the Salford Supported Tenancies service which provides specialist support to anyone suffering homelessness and domestic abuse.
“We want people to know that they do not have to put up with being controlled, threatened, hurt or generally abused. There is help available and there is always a way out.”
Salford will also work alongside partner authorities to help local people find refuge spaces in other areas to keep them safe from abusive partners.
Earlier this year the government held a six week consultation on legislative proposals for a draft Domestic Abuse Bill and a package of practical action.
