Type:	Journal Article
Title:	Preventing homelessness due to domestic violence: providing a safe space or closing the door to new possibilities?
Other Titles:	Social policy & administration
Authors:	Pawson, Hal Sharp, Cathy Netto, Gina
Keywords:	Leaving/Staying;Service provision;Policy;Housing
Year:	2009
Publisher:	B. Blackwell
Citation:	43 (7), December 2009
Notes:	The authors consider policy responses in the United Kingdom (UK) to preventing homelessness amongst victims of domestic violence, examining in particular the Sanctuary scheme model. Under Sanctuary schemes, women who have experienced domestic violence are supported to remain in their family home and are protected against potential future violence through security upgrades to the home. The authors outline and acknowledge the benefits of Sanctuary schemes for many victims of domestic violence. The authors also discuss reasons for the proliferation of Sanctuary schemes in England. They argue that a motivating force for local authorities in adopting these schemes is the existence of English legislation requiring local authorities to re-house women and children who have left their home due to a legitimate fear of domestic violence. The authors state that Sanctuary schemes present a cost-effective option for local authorities, as the schemes can reduce the need for local authorities to provide more costly alternative accommodation for victims of domestic violence. Against this background, the authors question the extent to which women offered Sanctuary protection are also made aware that, if they do abandon their home due to domestic violence, they may have an entitlement to be re-housed by the local authority. They also question whether the expansion of Sanctuary schemes will lead to a reduced emphasis on other traditional forms of support for women (such as refuge accommodation), and whether this might contribute to new forms of gender-based inequality.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/16319
ISSN:	0144-5596
Appears in Collections:	Journal Articles

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