90% of women in violent homes ‘have nowhere to go’

ALMOST 90% of women suffering domestic violence do not leave home because they have nowhere to go, it has been claimed.

Sharon Cosgrove, the head of Sonas, a charity which provides housing to women and children who are victims of violence in the home, said 88% of women who suffer domestic violence stay because there is no other option.

About 1,104 requests for refuge accommodation are refused annually due to over-stretched services. Of particular concern, she said, is that women who are homeowners, but leave their home because of an abusive partner, are left in a limbo because they are not eligible for homeless services or social housing. This was forcing many to stay in dangerous situations.