Housing & Money Advice

Housing Advice

The fear of becoming homeless and having nowhere to go can often prevent victims from leaving home or a partner.  If you need to leave home because you are being abused by the person you are living with, you may decide to go to a refuge, to stay with family or friends or you may need to go into emergency accomodation.

You are considered homeless if you are unable to stay in your home because of a risk of violence or abuse.  Your local council housing department has a legal duty to provide you with advice about finding somewhere to live if you are homeless because of domestic violence.

Housing advice is available to you through refuges, housing support services, housing associations and your local Council.  Local Council's in Bedfordshire now offer a service called the Sanctuary Scheme which increases the security of your home if you wish to stay there by installing reinforced windows and doors, new locks and panic buttons.  You can get information about this scheme from your local council.  Please see the 'links' page for further information.

Should you decide to contact a local refuge or the National Domestic Violence Helpline, be assured that all of the Women's refuges in the Country are linked and they will find a safe place for you and help with transport if needed.

Money Issues

Dealing with money and finances can be confusing, especially when you are in a crisis. If you are leaving an abusive relationship and need money, you may be entitled to one or more benefits even if you are working.

There are various benefits available at the benefits agency that you may be entitled to.  If you and your partner have joint bank accounts or credit cards, you may need to inform them that you have separated and ask them to remove your name from the account.

Information on how to contact the benefits agencies can be found in the Domestic Abuse Handbook, available for download on every page of this website.