State should help domestic abuse victims stay in their homes

The inclusion of all mortgage payments in assessments for social welfare has made it harder for victims to stay living in the family home, writes Louise Bayliss

Louise Bayliss, co-founder of single parents' group Spark, is campaigning for better rights for lone parents and to end the discrimination they face, particularly during the pandemic. Picture: Moya Nolan

A REALLY positive move was introduced last year to support victims of domestic violence who need to leave a family home due to safety concerns. The domestic violence emergency rent supplement allows victims immediate access to rent support and a deposit to ensure they are not trapped in a violent home. This was a response during the Covid pandemic and, fortunately, it appears it will remain as an ongoing support, which is greatly welcomed.

However, some domestic violence victims are at greater risk of poverty and homelessness due to the combination of circumstances where they are financially dependent on a spouse/partner and a mortgage holder.