People fleeing domestic violence need to count on support

Nearly a quarter of people who become homeless do so because their relationships break down and 70% of them, mostly women, are leaving violent partners, says the charity Shelter.

How they are treated can often depend on where they live because of inconsistencies in the assistance offered by different local authorities.

In some cases women fleeing domestic violence are simply not believed.

They can also end up living in unsuitable accommodation, such as bed and breakfasts, or in housing close to their former partner.

Threats

One woman in the Midlands was housed in the next street to her former husband who had been violent towards her.

She and her two young children were then moved to a room in a B&B, where the living conditions were so poor she even considered returning to her abusive partner.

She was subsequently moved into a house that turned out to be next door to her husband's brother who has been threatening her.

Shelter has welcomed increased government funding - an extra �21 million over three years for women's refuges - and new initiatives such as enabling women to stay in their homes by taking a range of security measures.

But it wants to see greater consistency from area to area and an end to "insensitive treatment".

Shelter spokesman Ben Jackson told the BBC it was crucial that more support is given to women and children in order to meet their long term, as well as short term, housing needs.

"It's about offering services as early as possible. Women escaping abusive relationships need to know what support they can get before making that crucial decision."

He said there needed to be better co-operation between the different agencies helping homeless people, such as the housing departments of local authorities and social services who focus on the needs of the children.