Domestic violence

If you're experiencing domestic abuse from someone you live with (or used to live with) you may want to leave your home.

An adviser can help you examine all your housing options. Advice is available from Housing Rights Service or Women's Aid. The Housing Executive has a legal duty to give housing advice and information on preventing homelessness to anyone who asks in Northern Ireland.

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is any physical, psychological, sexual or financial abuse that forms a pattern of controlling behaviour within a family type relationship. This could include abuse by your:

partner
husband or wife
ex-partner, ex-husband, or ex-wife
parent
child

Where can I go in an emergency?

The best option for a female victim of domestic abuse is to contact a women's refuge. A women's refuge is able to offer support not usually available in other temporary accommodation. A refuge can offer you:

staff with specialist knowledge of domestic abuse to offer support and advice,
provision for children, with trained staff to help.

You can contact Women's Aid 24 hours a day on 0800 917 1414 for advice, support and information.

Male victims may only find limited support available to them. You can also contact your local Housing Executive District Office. The Housing Executive has a legal duty to give housing advice and information on preventing homelessness to anyone who asks in Northern Ireland.

Should I leave my accommodation?

If you're at risk of violence you may need to leave you accommodation temporarily until you can sort out your situation. You should try to arrange temporary accommodation before you leave your home. This could be:

staying with family and friends,
arranging a room at a bed and breakfast,
arranging a room at a hostel,
arranging to move to a refuge.

What can I do to stop the domestic abuse?

You can usually ask for a court order even if you don't own the property. You usually won't be able to get a court order if you are having problems with another tenant.

If you already have a court order but the person is not taking any notice of it you should call the police or contact your solicitor immediately.