Domestic abuse and homelessness legislation
Supporting people
A key element for any person managing a transition into a new home, following homelessness or in order to prevent homelessness is access to appropriate support. A recent Scottish Women's Aid survey of affiliated Women's Aid groups, on the impact of Supporting People funding found that 31 per cent of groups did not receive sufficient funding to cover the cost of providing housing support services [7]. As a result Women's Aid Groups had to reduce services by limiting support time, supporting fewer women or cutting worker hours. All of these reductions have an impact on the support women and their children receive when they become homeless as a result of domestic abuse. Support services in relation to homelessness prevention and resettlement need to be adequately resourced and directed. As 2012 approaches and increasing numbers of people have a right to a permanent home additional funding for support services must be provided to ensure that vulnerable people are enabled to sustain their homes.
