Domestic Violence ....
Any woman experiencing Domestic Violence/Abuse can get emergency housing from either a refuge, or a local authority (council) housing/homelessness department. Men fleeing Domestic Violence/Abuse need to contact a housing/homelessness department, because there are currently no refuges for men in West Sussex. Local authority housing/homelessness departments have specific duties to people fleeing Domestic Violence/Abuse under the Homelessness Act 2002.
If the person cannot, or does not want to go to a refuge, and is under the threat of further violence in their immediate area, they can approach any local authority, which could have a duty to provide interim accommodation. They do not have to have lived in their area, or have a formal connection with them. The accommodation must be suitable (Section 210 of Housing Act 1996).
Almost all councils have a 24-hour duty officer who can arrange accommodation out of normal office hours. In most cases, if required, the council will arrange for the person to stay in this temporary accommodation whilst they look at their application for housing.
If immediate help is needed and the person does not know where or who to contact, they should approach the local police station, who will have numbers for the duty homelessness officer.
Housing Benefit ....
People on low incomes are able to claim housing benefit if they cannot afford to pay their rent. An application can be made for Housing Benefit even if the person is working – it is not just for people receiving benefits from Social Security. It is worth putting in a claim because even if Housing Benefit will not pay the full amount they may help to pay part of the rent.
If someone is in receipt of Income Support of Job Seekers Allowance, they will receive Housing Benefit – the Social Security Office will give them a form when they make their claim for benefit. Alternatively application forms can be picked up at their local council office.
It is advisable for someone fleeing Domestic Violence/Abuse to make enquiries at their local Social Security Office to see if they are eligible for financial assistance.
Contact
Horsham District Council
Park House, North Street
Horsham, West Sussex
RH12 1RL
Tel: (01403) 215210