We are proud to have partnered with the Orwell Foundation to offer the Orwell Prize for Reporting Homelessness. Over the past 6 months, we asked for entries from people experiencing homelessness and from journalists who shine a light on the problem and its potential solutions. In this blog, we share one of the pieces submitted by shortlisted applicant, Carolyn Atkinson. The piece was originally published by BBC Women's Hour and raises awareness of the unsafe accommodation where women who have survived domestic violence are housed.

Please note that this clip references violence, sexual violence and domestic abuse.

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Published in October 2022, the piece looks at a report published last autumn that says MPs say too many women who’ve survived domestic abuse are ending up in appalling accommodation operated by rogue landlords who exploit housing benefit loopholes to cash in on a ‘gold rush’ of taxpayers’ money.

Some women and their children find themselves housed in mixed-sex provision, or even alongside their perpetrators. The current rules mean anyone can set up what is called Exempt Accommodation if they offer care, support, or supervision that is ‘more than minimal’. One provider left a loaf of bread and some jam to achieve that standard. Others say fitting CCTV is enough to qualify.

The All Party Parliamentary Select Committee on Levelling Up Housing and Communities make a number of recommendations aimed at stopping unscrupulous operators getting enhanced housing benefit without providing the wraparound support and staff they’re meant to offer survivors of domestic abuse.

Krupa Padhy talks to the Chair of the Committee Clive Betts Labour MP and Becky Rogerson, CEO of Wearside Women in Need.

If you are interested in learning more about homelessness amongst women who are survivors of domestic violence, download our report, Women, violence and homelessness: What Works?

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