DOMESTIC ABUSE
Your Home
"It's not easy...I wonder...where do I go from here? Or where, where am I going to get accommodation?"
If you would like to live independently of your ex-partner, there are a number of options available to you.
Can I return to live in the same home as before?
You may be able to live in the same home as before, and have your partner leave. If your partner does not agree to leave, and puts you and/or your children in fear, you may be able to take legal action against him that will force him to leave. Property rights need to be considered, therefore, it is important to get legal advice.
How will I find a new place to live?
If you need to move home, and are not a home owner, you have several options:
- Local authority housing
- Private rented accommodation
- Voluntary housing schemes such as Respond, Clúid, or Sonas Housing
If you are a home owner your options are different and any decisions may benefit from legal advice.
You may be eligible for rent support, depending on your income. If you have no income as a result of leaving your relationship, we can support you to apply for assistance from the Department of Social Protection. You can also get information about this from Citizens Information Centres, homeless person centres and local women's domestic abuse support services.
Can I apply for local authority accommodation?
If you are homeless due to domestic abuse you may qualify for local authority accommodation. The local authority Housing Officers will provide you with information related to your needs and options. Staff in women's domestic abuse support services can assist you with attending appointments, filling out forms etc.
It is important that staff form the local authority know about your circumstances; especially if you could be put in further danger depending on where you relocate to and how your information is protected.
If you had to leave local authority accommodation because of an abusive relationship, you should tell the local authority why you left and when. If your partner has damaged the property explain this to them.
If your application for housing is accepted you will be placed on a housing list and may be able to secure private rented accommodation while waiting for a local authority house.
"While I was in the refuge I was put on the housing list. A house came up where I originally came from so I wasn't too far away from my family".
