Refuges providing refuge to victims of domestic violence are facing severe strains as a result of the cost of living crisis, a charity has warned.
Rising prices are creating more demand for asylum places as increased financial pressure acts as a trigger for abusive partners, while making it more expensive for those already in asylum to leave, according to Hestia, a support charity to those fleeing domestic violence in London and South East England.
The charity’s referral line has seen a 30% increase in requests for accommodation in the first three months of 2022, with the situation expected to worsen as inflation rises.
Jo Tilley-Reilly, director of fundraising and communications at Hestia, said: “There are more women in need of our refuge spaces – and it’s getting harder and harder to support women to access the money they need , to move on from a refuge where they can establish their kind of long-term permanent home.
With shelters already set up in 11 London boroughs, Hestia has been able to create 24 emergency beds during the pandemic, which will remain available due to growing demand.
During the coronavirus lockdown, domestic violence charities and services reported a surge in calls from women experiencing violence and abuse as places in shelters ran out. Now increasing calls to the charity are linked to the cost of living crisis, Tilley-Reilly said, a result of abusers facing increased financial pressures which have caused abuse and domestic violence to escalate.
“Sometimes I think, ‘Why did I call the police?’ because at least my son was provided for and we had food. Now we have nothing,” said Rohana, who fled an abuser with her son. “But I think at least we’re safe and that’s worth a lot. But it is very hard. I only eat once a day – it’s all at the expense of my son.”
Research by Loughborough University has found that the cost of a single mother and two children moving from a shelter has risen by £1,500 since 2020. Spending in the first year after leaving asylum rose by £5,000, nearly an 11% increase.
“The system is not working for victims of domestic violence and it will only get harder. I am exhausted and afraid of the next piles of gas and electricity bills,” said Rohana, whose name has been changed.
Other charities around the country are also seeing evidence of the emerging trend.
Sign up for First Edition, our free daily newsletter – every weekday morning at 7am
The UK’s biggest domestic violence charity, Refuge, has seen the effect of the cost of living crisis on survivors in their service and is publishing figures next week. Women’s Aid is conducting research to find out what impact the financial crisis is having on those who have experienced domestic violence in the last year.
“The cost of living crisis is having a devastating impact on those experiencing domestic violence. Families are under considerable strain. We need to act fast and we need to act now,” said Pat Ryan, CEO of Hestia.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, you can contact Refuge’s free 24-hour national domestic violence helpline: 0808 2000 247 or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Add Comment