Domestic Abuse in Housing
Find out how the housing team can support victims of domestic abuse.
The Council's Housing Service is committed to tackling the impact domestic abuse has on an individual's housing situation. We want to support victims of domestic abuse by guiding them to expert services operating in the area who will be able to help.
Women's Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire is a charity supporting women, children and young people who are experiencing, or have experienced domestic abuse, operating throughout South Lanarkshire & East Renfrewshire. They provide confidential support, information and access to temporary accommodation. Support is provided in a non-judgemental way whether you are still in the relationship or experiencing difficulties now the relationship has ended.
Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid supports BME and migrant women in Greater Glasgow who are facing domestic abuse, forced marriage, or honour-based abuse. They offer culturally sensitive, bilingual services, including refuge accommodation, outreach, and follow-up support for women, children, and young people from minority ethnic communities.
Abused man in Scotland (AMIS) supports men who are experiencing, or have experienced, domestic abuse. They work with men over 16, regardless of background, providing a free and confidential helpline, email service and a support finder tool for men residing outwith Scotland.
National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline (Galop) provides help and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people who are experiencing, or who have experienced, abuse or domestic abuse.
Our trained staff provide compassionate housing options advice and support, helping you to stay safely in your current home or to assist you in securing alternative accommodation.
What is Domestic Abuse?
Domestic abuse forms a pattern of abusive and controlling behaviour that is used to gain power and control over an intimate partner or ex-partner. It is rarely confined to a one-off incident, and it usually escalates in frequency and severity over time, particularly if the victim tries to exercise their independence, leave and/or challenge the perpetrator's control.
What does domestic abuse look like?
Coercive control and threats
Making and/or carrying out threats to do something to hurt you or others that you care about.
Emotional abuse
Saying things to humiliate you and/or make you feel bad about yourself, name calling or playing mind games.
Isolation
Controlling what you do, who you see and talk to.
Economic abuse
Preventing you from getting or keeping a job. Having financial control and making you ask for money.
Using Children
Making you feel guilty about the children. Threatening to take children away.
Minimizing, denying and blaming
Shifting responsibility of abusive behaviour onto you "It's your fault, you make me act this way" or saying the abuse doesn't happen.
Intimidation
Making you afraid, smashing things, destroying property or abusing pets.
How does domestic abuse impact a victims housing situation?
If you're experiencing domestic abuse and need housing advice, it's important to know that you're not alone. Many survivors face housing instability, often finding themselves homeless or in need of temporary accommodation due to financial dependence on their abuser.
Overcrowded and poor housing conditions can increase stress and contribute to domestic violence.
Financial barriers, such as difficulty paying rent or securing new housing, can force you to stay in unsafe environments.
Limited access to support services and legal challenges can make finding safe housing even more difficult.
Seeking safe and affordable housing is a crucial step in breaking free from the cycle of abuse.
When you reach out to the Council's Housing Service you will receive advice and support to prevent and address domestic abuse. We will:
- provide a sensitive response to victims
- take an early intervention approach by working with our partners to offer housing options, advice and support
- help victims regardless of age, gender, race, class, culture, sexuality, or disability
If you need emergency accommodation
If you've nowhere to stay tonight please contact our Housing Advice Team, or alternatively, get in touch with one of the organisations above.
