Domestic violence and homelessness

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You can apply as a homeless person if you can't stay in your home due to domestic violence.

If you are in immediate danger or there is an emergency call 999.

Who can apply 

Domestic violence and abuse may include physical abuse, emotional, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse and harassment. If you're in fear of a partner, ex-partner or member of your family, you may be experiencing domestic abuse. You can apply as a homeless person if you can't stay in your home. Our advisors will look at all your options to find the best possible help for you.

Leaving home immediately

If you are in immediate danger - leave straight away and contact us for housing assistance. If you can, try to arrange temporary housing before you leave, we realise this might not be possible if you have to leave quickly due to any risks. 

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If you have nowhere safe to live today

If you need to leave your home and have nowhere safe to go tonight, you should come to Housing Reception Centre in person.

You can complete a housing options enquiry form in a safe place. You will need to sign in or register with housing online – this takes just a few minutes. After completing the form you will be given an appointment on the same day.

Housing Reception Centre
90 Putney Bridge Road 
Wandsworth
SW18 1HR 

Open between 9am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday. 
Outside of these hours you should contact 020 8871 6000.

Housing options duty: 020 8871 6161

Temporary accommodation

If you are immediately homeless and have nowhere else to go, you may be eligible for temporary accommodation such as a hostel, refuge or bed and breakfast while we establish how we can help you.

Refuge

If you are homeless, you could go to a refuge for emergency housing. A refuge is a safe house for women and children escaping domestic violence. You can contact them directly and don’t need a referral from the council. 

Hestia Refuge accommodation referral line
Telephone: 0808 169 9975 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm)

Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline
24/7 telephone: 0808 2000 247

If you have somewhere safe to live

If you need to leave your home but have somewhere safe to stay temporarily (for example, with friends or family) you should complete the housing options enquiry form to begin your assessment. 

You will need to sign in or register with Housing Online – this takes just a few minutes. After completing the housing options enquiry form, we will contact you as early as the next day, if necessary.

  • Once you've made your application, we can refer you to a domestic violence advocate who can offer more support and advice
  • We will not contact the perpetrator
  • It will be useful if you can provide us with any supporting evidence you have, such as police reports, injunctions and details of any areas you feel would not be safe for you

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Your housing options and support

There are a wide range of options available to you. 

Staying at home and making it safe

Stay Safe Stay Put – if you prefer to stay in your home, we can arrange increased security to your home, such as strengthened doors, locks, window frames and free installation of a careline alarm linked to the police control room to allow a rapid response.

Contact the accommodation procurement team on 020 8871 7333 or email landlordlettings@wandsworth.gov.uk.

Leaving an abusive home

If you need to leave your home you may want to consider these aspects:

  • Is it safe for you to remain in Wandsworth? If not, you can apply for housing assistance to any local authority you believe you will be safe in. You can find a list of local authorities across the country at GOV.UK.
  • Changing your contact details and social media details to prevent the perpetrator from contacting you whilst you are seeking help.
  • Changing your usual routine or not going to places where the perpetrator may know you will be such as schools/GP practices.
  • Seeking support from family, friends or relatives whilst you are looking for help.

For further information and advice, see our guidance on domestic violence support.

Do not decide to give up your home permanently until you have obtained legal advice.

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Get help from Homefinder UK

Revive is Homefinder UK’s latest division, specialising in relocating domestic abuse survivors to permanent social housing in a new and safe environment in a different part of the country.

The service provides an alternative way to find social housing for survivors without the need to compete against other high priority groups.

For more information please contact revive@homefinderuk.org, call 020 3823 1072 or visit the Homefinder UK website.

Other support and help

There are other charities and organisations that may be able to help:

Complete the housing options enquiry form

Up to Reasons for homelessness

Updated: 11/11/2024