New Domestic Abuse Housing Protections for Tenants
Everyone should feel safe in their home and community. If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, a survivor of domestic abuse or need some information, we can help.
Important legal changes have recently been made which strengthen the support available and give social landlords new powers to help protect people experiencing domestic abuse.
Historically, many people experiencing domestic abuse have faced an impossible choice: remain in an unsafe situation or leave their home, community, support networks and in many cases, their children’s schools.
The new legislation aims to change that and allows social landlords to apply to the court to end an abuser’s tenancy or remove their interest in a joint tenancy in certain circumstances. If the court agree, the tenancy can be transferred so that the person experiencing the abuse can choose to stay in their home, where it is safe and appropriate to do so.
If you or someone you know if experiencing domestic abuse, help is available.
Support organisations include:
Dumfriesshire and Stewartry Women’s Aid:
Dumfriesshire and Stewartry Women’s Aid | Counselling | Dumfries
Tel. 01387 263052 Mobile (24 hours) 07710 15772
Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline:
Home - Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
Tel. 0800 027 1234 Text/WhatsApp 07401 288595
Support for Men:
Abused Men in Scotland:
Tel. 03300 949 395
Mankind:
ManKind Initiative - Supporting Male Victims of Domestic Abuse
Tel. 0808 800 1170
LGBTQ+ Services in Scotland & UK wide:
Galop:
Galop - the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity
Tel. 0800 999 5428
In an emergency, dial 999. For non emergency Police contact, dial 101.
If you’re a tenant and would like confidential advice or support, please contact your Housing Officer or a member of our team. We will listen, and help you access the support that is right for you.