Safety, Support & Housing During Unsafe Situations
Domestic abuse and unsafe living situations can affect anyone regardless of gender, age, disability, background, sexuality, financial situation, relationship status or family circumstances.
Right First Time UK aims to provide balanced, accessible and supportive information to help people better understand domestic abuse, safeguarding, emergency housing support and options available when someone feels unsafe at home.
No one should feel forced to remain in an unsafe environment because of fear, financial pressure, housing insecurity, children, disability or isolation.
Immediate Danger
If someone is in immediate danger or at serious risk of harm, call 999 and ask for the police.
If you cannot speak and are calling 999 from a mobile phone, listen to the operator and, when prompted, press 55 to be transferred to the police.
Pressing 55 only works from a mobile phone and does not itself allow the police to identify your location.
Deaf British Sign Language users can also use the 999 BSL emergency video relay service.
Important: Housing & Domestic Abuse Law Differs Across the UK
England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have different homelessness and housing systems.
The detailed homelessness rights on this page concerning the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Code of Guidance apply specifically to England.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 definition and many family and criminal justice provisions apply across England and Wales, although some devolved services operate differently.
Always check which legal framework applies where you live.
How Domestic Abuse Can Affect People & Families
Abuse within a home environment can have serious effects on:
- Emotional wellbeing
- Physical safety
- Mental health
- Housing stability
- Parenting and family life
- Financial security
- Children's wellbeing
- Long-term recovery and confidence
Seeking support early may help improve safety and reduce long-term harm.
Understanding Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse can take many forms and may happen within:
- Intimate relationships
- Former relationships
- Family relationships
- Shared households
Abuse is not always physical.
It may include:
- Emotional abuse
- Coercive control
- Financial abuse
- Threats or intimidation
- Harassment
- Isolation
- Psychological abuse
- Physical violence
- Sexual abuse
- Technology-facilitated abuse
- Controlling behaviour
Some people may not immediately recognise abusive behaviour, particularly where abuse develops gradually over time.
Children can also be emotionally affected by abuse within the home, even if they are not directly targeted.
Legal Definition - Domestic Abuse Act 2021
Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, behaviour can amount to domestic abuse where people aged 16 or over are personally connected and the behaviour is abusive.
Abusive behaviour can include:
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Violent or threatening behaviour
- Controlling or coercive behaviour
- Economic abuse
- Psychological, emotional or other abuse
It can involve a single incident or a course of conduct.
Children Can Be Victims in Their Own Right
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 recognises some children as victims of domestic abuse in their own right.
This includes a child who:
- Sees the abuse
- Hears the abuse
- Experiences the effects of the abuse
and is related to the victim or perpetrator, including through parental responsibility.
A child does not therefore need to be physically attacked themselves for domestic abuse within the family to seriously affect them.
Safeguarding & Protecting Children
Children living in unsafe or abusive environments may experience significant emotional and psychological harm.
This can include:
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Sleep problems
- Emotional distress
- Behavioural changes
- School difficulties
- Trauma-related responses
Safeguarding support may involve:
- Children's services
- Schools
- Health professionals
- Domestic abuse services
- Police safeguarding teams
- Family support organisations
Keeping children safe and emotionally supported is extremely important during periods of instability or crisis.
Leaving Unsafe Environments
Leaving an unsafe situation can feel extremely difficult and emotionally overwhelming.
People may worry about:
- Housing
- Money
- Children
- Safety
- Being believed
- Family breakdown
- Immigration issues
- Pets
- Isolation
- Emotional attachment
- Losing belongings
- Future uncertainty
Some people leave immediately in emergencies, while others may need time, planning or support before making decisions.
There is no single "right" way to seek help, and every situation is different.
Safety Comes Before Property or Belongings
If remaining in or returning to a property would create an immediate danger, do not place yourself at greater risk simply to collect belongings.
Police, housing services or domestic abuse organisations may be able to advise on safer options depending on the circumstances.
Emergency Housing & Accommodation
Emergency housing support may be available for individuals and families who are unsafe at home.
This may include:
- Emergency accommodation
- Refuge spaces
- Temporary housing
- Safe emergency placements
- Council homelessness support
- Specialist domestic abuse accommodation
- Safeguarding referrals
Support services may help people access safe accommodation quickly where risk is identified.
Additional support may sometimes be available for:
- Children
- Disabled individuals
- Vulnerable adults
- Pregnant individuals
- People with complex health needs
- People fleeing high-risk situations
Emergency Housing Support Links
Domestic Abuse & Homelessness Rights - England
Domestic Abuse Gives Priority Need
In England, a person who is homeless as a result of being a victim of domestic abuse has priority need for accommodation.
This applies because of the homelessness legislation as amended by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
Immediate Interim Accommodation May Be Required
If a council has reason to believe that an applicant may:
- Be homeless
- Be eligible for homelessness assistance
- Have priority need
the interim accommodation duty can arise while the council makes further enquiries.
Government domestic-abuse homelessness guidance states that where evidence gives the authority reason to believe someone may be homeless as a result of domestic abuse, interim accommodation should be made available while investigations take place.
You Should Not Be Required to Prove Abuse With Police Evidence
Housing authorities must assess the circumstances, but official guidance says they should not operate a blanket policy requiring police or other corroborating evidence before accepting domestic abuse.
The housing officer may be the first person the victim has told.
You Should Not Be Expected to Return to an Unsafe Home
It is not reasonable for someone to continue occupying accommodation where it is probable that doing so would lead to violence or domestic abuse against them or someone who lives or could reasonably be expected to live with them.
Official guidance also says applicants should not simply be expected to return home because an injunction has been obtained.
Safety should remain the primary consideration.
Domestic Abuse & Local Connection - England
People fleeing domestic abuse may need to move away from the area in which they previously lived.
Official homelessness guidance says councils should recognise that victims and their children may need to travel to another area to remain safe.
A housing authority cannot make a local-connection referral to another council area where the applicant, or someone reasonably expected to live with them, would be at risk of domestic abuse there.
Confidentiality & Protecting Location Information
Confidentiality can be extremely important where somebody has fled an abusive person.
Government homelessness guidance says housing authorities must be alert to the importance of keeping information about domestic abuse victims safe and secure.
Information about an applicant should not normally be disclosed outside the organisation without consent, subject to lawful safeguarding and other information-sharing obligations.
In high-risk cases, access to case information may need to be restricted to appropriate staff.
Family Court Address Confidentiality
If someone is involved in family proceedings and does not want their address or their child's contact details disclosed to another party, court procedures can allow those details to be kept confidential.
Form C8 can be used in appropriate family proceedings to request that contact details are withheld from other parties.
Refuge & Specialist Support Services
Refuge and specialist support organisations may provide:
- Safe accommodation
- Emotional support
- Safety planning
- Advocacy
- Support for children
- Housing guidance
- Help accessing benefits or financial support
- Support with safeguarding concerns
- Practical advice during crisis situations
Some services offer confidential support, helplines, outreach support or online guidance.
Specialist Support Organisations
Refuge
RefugeWomen's Aid
Women's AidMen's Advice Line
Men's Advice LineGalop LGBT+ Abuse Support
GalopVictim Support
Victim SupportSpecialist Support Directory
GOV.UK - Specialist domestic abuse supportHousing Safety Planning
Some individuals may need time to safely plan before leaving an unsafe environment.
Safety planning may involve:
- Identifying safe emergency contacts
- Keeping important documents accessible
- Planning emergency accommodation options
- Saving emergency phone numbers
- Preparing essential items if safe to do so
- Informing trusted individuals
- Seeking confidential advice
Safety planning should always prioritise immediate safety and personal circumstances.
People should avoid taking actions that may increase risk if they believe someone may become violent or dangerous.
Digital Safety
Phones, online accounts, shared cloud accounts, location services and connected devices can sometimes be used to monitor or track another person.
If this is a concern, seek specialist advice before changing settings or removing access where doing so could alert an abusive person and increase risk.
Financial Abuse & Housing Insecurity
Domestic abuse may also involve financial control or housing-related pressure.
Examples may include:
- Preventing access to money
- Controlling benefits or income
- Creating debt
- Threatening homelessness
- Preventing employment
- Refusing access to joint finances
- Damaging credit or financial stability
Financial abuse can make leaving unsafe environments feel extremely difficult.
Support organisations may help individuals access emergency financial assistance, benefits advice or housing support.
Economic Abuse Is Legally Recognised
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 expressly recognises economic abuse.
Economic abuse can include behaviour having a substantial adverse effect on someone's ability to:
- Acquire money or property
- Use money or property
- Maintain money or property
- Obtain goods or services
Examples can include:
- Controlling family income
- Stopping someone earning money
- Running up debts in another person's name
- Controlling benefit payments
- Restricting access to transport
- Interfering with employment
- Controlling housing or access to essential services
Housing Rights & Legal Protection
People experiencing abuse may still have important housing rights and legal protections.
Support may include:
- Homelessness assistance
- Emergency housing support
- Protection orders
- Safeguarding referrals
- Specialist housing advocacy
- Advice relating to tenancy rights
- Support accessing safe accommodation
Local authorities may have duties to assist people who are homeless or at risk due to domestic abuse.
Government Information
Protection Through the Family Court - England & Wales
Court protection may be available depending on the circumstances and the relationship between the people involved.
Non-Molestation Order
A non-molestation order can protect a person or relevant child from abuse, harassment, threats or other prohibited behaviour.
It can also prevent somebody from coming to or near a home in appropriate circumstances.
Occupation Order
An occupation order can ask the family court to decide:
- Who can live in the family home
- Who must leave
- Who can return
- Whether someone can enter the surrounding area
No Court Application Fee
GOV.UK states that there is no court fee for applying for a non-molestation or occupation order.
Form FL401 can be used.
Domestic Abuse Protection Orders - Current Pilot
Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders are currently being piloted rather than operating everywhere.
As of 23 August 2026, the pilot applies where the person from whom protection is sought lives in:
- Greater Manchester
- Croydon
- Bromley
- Sutton
- Hartlepool
- Middlesbrough
- Redcar and Cleveland
- Stockton-on-Tees
- North Wales
A DAPO can potentially:
- Prevent someone approaching a home
- Control who stays in or returns to a home
- Require behavioural-change activity
- Impose electronic monitoring in appropriate cases
Where the pilot does not apply, a non-molestation or occupation order may still be an available route.
Legal Aid for Domestic Abuse
Legal aid may be available for certain family-law problems where domestic abuse has occurred and the financial eligibility rules are met.
Evidence can potentially come from sources including:
- Police
- Courts
- Social services
- Health professionals
- A refuge
- Domestic abuse support services
- MARAC records
- Banks or financial documents
- Employers or education providers
- Benefit providers
You do not necessarily need to gather all of the evidence before first speaking to a legal adviser.
Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Duty - England
Part 4 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 created duties relating to support within safe accommodation.
Local authorities must assess local need and commission appropriate accommodation-based domestic abuse support.
Relevant accommodation can include:
- Refuge accommodation
- Specialist safe accommodation
- Dispersed accommodation
- Second-stage accommodation
- Other designated domestic abuse emergency accommodation
This strategic safe-accommodation duty is different from an individual's homelessness rights.
If an eligible person approaches the council because they are homeless as a result of domestic abuse, their individual homelessness application should be considered under the Housing Act 1996 homelessness framework.
Social Housing & Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse can also affect existing council or housing-association tenancies.
Depending on circumstances, possible options can include:
- Management transfers
- Emergency moves
- Housing-register applications
- Measures allowing a victim to remain safely in the home
- Rehousing
Protection for Some Lifetime Social Tenants
The Secure Tenancies (Victims of Domestic Abuse) Act 2018 protects certain existing lifetime social tenants.
Where statutory conditions are satisfied, a local authority rehousing a qualifying lifetime tenant for reasons connected with domestic abuse must grant another lifetime tenancy.
The legislation can also protect certain joint lifetime tenants who remain in their home after the perpetrator leaves or is removed.
Immigration Status & Domestic Abuse
Immigration concerns can make it particularly difficult for some people to leave an abusive relationship.
People should seek specialist regulated immigration advice because eligibility depends heavily on immigration status.
Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession
The Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession can provide certain eligible migrant partners with a short period of independent immigration permission and potential access to public funds after a relationship breaks down because of domestic abuse.
The current concession can provide three months of temporary permission for qualifying applicants while they take steps to address their longer-term immigration status.
It does not apply to every migrant victim of domestic abuse and not everybody eligible for the concession will qualify for permanent settlement.
Emotional Wellbeing & Recovery
Experiencing abuse or living in unsafe environments can have lasting emotional effects.
People may experience:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fear
- Hypervigilance
- Emotional exhaustion
- Isolation
- Panic attacks
- Loss of confidence
- Trauma-related symptoms
Recovery can take time, and emotional support may be important during and after unsafe situations.
Helpful support may include:
- Counselling
- Mental health support
- Peer support services
- Trauma-informed support
- Family support
- Specialist domestic abuse organisations
Emotional Support Services
Support for Friends, Family & Communities
People supporting someone experiencing abuse may also feel worried, overwhelmed or unsure how to help.
Helpful support approaches may include:
- Listening without judgement
- Encouraging professional support
- Respecting safety concerns
- Avoiding pressure or ultimatums
- Helping access information or services
- Supporting practical safety planning
Every situation is different, and safety should remain the priority.
Getting Help Before Crisis Point
Seeking support early may help:
- Improve safety
- Reduce risk
- Prevent homelessness
- Protect children
- Access emergency accommodation
- Improve emotional wellbeing
- Reduce isolation
- Stabilise housing and finances
No one should feel they must wait until situations become extreme before asking for help.
Practical Safety & Housing Checklist
- Call 999 if there is immediate danger.
- Contact a specialist domestic abuse service where safe to do so.
- Contact the council if you cannot safely remain at home.
- Clearly tell the council that domestic abuse is involved.
- Explain if children are involved.
- Explain disability, health or accessibility needs.
- Ask for a formal homelessness assessment where appropriate.
- Ask about emergency or interim accommodation.
- Do not assume police evidence is always required by the council.
- Tell the council if returning to another area would be unsafe.
- Ask that location and contact information is kept secure.
- Keep important documents accessible where this can be done safely.
- Keep evidence of tenancy and housing arrangements where safe.
- Consider specialist legal advice about protective court orders.
- Check whether legal aid is available.
- Seek immigration advice if immigration status is connected to the abusive relationship.
- Seek financial advice where economic abuse or debt is involved.
- Consider children's safeguarding and emotional support needs.
Emergency Situations
If someone is in immediate danger or at serious risk of harm:
- Contact emergency services by calling 999
- Seek emergency medical support if needed
- Contact specialist domestic abuse services
- Reach out to trusted safeguarding professionals where safe to do so
Right First Time UK - Key Message
Domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence.
It can involve coercive control, economic abuse, threats, harassment, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, technology-based abuse and patterns designed to isolate or control another person.
Housing insecurity and financial dependence should not become barriers preventing somebody from seeking safety.
Children can also be victims of domestic abuse in their own right.
Safety, secure housing, confidentiality, accessible support and informed decision-making matter.
Support should be available before circumstances reach the point of severe crisis.