Housing priority for domestic abuse victims

The housing minister wants to prioritise housing applications for victims of domestic abuse

More support could be provided to people who have experienced domestic abuse in Jersey when moving from temporary refuge accommodation into independent living.

A report from Housing Minister, deputy Sam Mezec, said he wanted to prioritise housing applications for victims and survivors.

The report is in response to recommendations made by the Taskforce on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

Mr Mezec said victims and survivors deserved access to "safe, secure and affordable homes".

It comes after a homelessness report from October found 39% of homeless women were experiencing or escaping violence at home.

He said: "Access to housing must never be a barrier for victim-survivors to leave abusive relationships and seeking the help they need to rebuild their lives.

"Many victim-survivors of VAWG are forced to flee their homes, which has a devastating and long-lasting impact on them and, in many cases, their children.

"This includes losing stable housing, which makes them particularly vulnerable to homelessness."

Priorities outlined in the report include making policies to support tenants who were being abused, improving evidence on the level and types of housing needed for victims and survivors, strengthening housing support for them to access and maintain a suitable home, and providing opportunities for them to access suitable homes.

Mr Mezec said there was "a strong foundation to build further work on" with support already provided by charities FREEDA and Shelter Trust, the Government owned Andium Homes and its Housing Advice Service.

"We must do all we can to ensure that victim-survivors are able to get help with housing at the earliest possible opportunity, and in a manner that is sensitive to their needs," he said.