Domestic violence,homelessness and housing: the response of housing providers in Wales

This article explores the impact of changes in government housing policy on the availability of refuge and move-on accommodation for women and children escaping domestic violence. The residualisation of council housing and the greater involvement of housing associ ations in the provision of social housing is discussed in the context of refuge provision in Wales. Refuge provision in partnership with hous ing associations is increasing. The provision of move-on accommo dation is inadequate and only a minority of women and children leaving refuges is rehoused by local authorities or housing associ ations. Policies of housing providers towards women who are home less as a result of domestic violence vary and in some parts of Wales the prospects for rehousing are far better than in others. Increasing homelessness and reduced funding for local authority housing mean that the housing needs of women and children escaping domestic violence are not being met.