Domestic abuse is one of the most common causes of homelessness, particularly for women. It is also one of the most complex areas of practice for frontline workers — involving questions of safety, autonomy, legal rights, and the unpredictable dynamics of coercive relationships.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 strengthened the legal framework in England significantly — expanding the definition of domestic abuse, introducing new protections, and placing new duties on local authorities. This module introduces the Act and explores what it means for homelessness practitioners.
It also explores the dynamics of domestic abuse — why people stay, what makes leaving dangerous, and how to support someone without putting them at greater risk. These are not simple matters, and this module does not pretend otherwise.
This is a Developing-level module within Subject 4: Safeguarding. It builds on Adult Safeguarding: The Foundations and Recognising Abuse, Neglect and Harm.