Caritas Social Action Network has submitted a response to a consultation by the Department for Communities and Local Government, on improving access to social housing for people who have experienced domestic abuse.

Network member charities Caritas Diocese of Westminster, the National Board of Catholic Women, and women@thewell, support in principle the Government’s intention to make re-housing of domestic violence and abuse victims smoother. The charities cited two major concerns:

• Implementing the proposed guidance will be challenging for local authorities within their diminishing resources.
• The vital role of refuges, in supporting women who have experienced abuse, appears significantly understated in the Government’s proposals.

The full response can be read here (pdf, 0.3mb).