At Glow, our mission is to end relationship abuse and support people across Staffordshire, Derbyshire, and the surrounding areas to live lives that are safe, stable, and free from fear.
We know that abuse is not only about what happens within a relationship, but also about the barriers people face when trying to leave. Secure housing is one of the most critical of those barriers, which is why housing advocacy sits at the heart of our work.
For many families experiencing domestic abuse, home is not a place of safety. It can be the setting for daily harm, control, and intimidation. In January, Sarah and her children were living with a perpetrator and experiencing domestic abuse on a daily basis, while also facing the threat of eviction. The risk of losing their home made an already frightening situation feel impossible, and like many survivors, Sarah was trying to protect her children while navigating multiple crises at once.
With the support of Georgia, one of Glow’s Domestic Abuse Housing Advocates, Sarah and her family were not left to face this alone.
Through advocacy and intervention with the landlord, eviction was prevented, giving the family crucial breathing space. Georgia worked closely with partner agencies to ensure the right protections were put in place, helping the family to be safeguarded while longer-term options were explored.
As a result of this coordinated support, Sarah and her children were able to move into affordable, long-term social housing, where they are now safe from the perpetrator. Protection orders were secured with the support of other agencies, and the perpetrator was charged for his behaviour. The family also accessed funding to help with the move, removing financial pressures and allowing them to begin a new chapter without the constant fear that had shaped their lives for so long.
Reflecting on the journey, Georgia shared: “I spoke with the customer about how resilient she was. Although we faced challenges together, supporting her and her family was such an honour.”
Stories like Sarah’s show why housing advocacy is so vital to ending domestic abuse. Without safe and secure housing, survivors are often forced to remain in dangerous situations or face homelessness. By supporting families to stay housed, or to move into secure accommodation, we help remove one of the biggest barriers to leaving abuse and rebuilding a life on their own terms.
Need support? We’re here for you
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, or is worried about housing because of someone else’s behaviour, you are not alone. Glow’s team is here to listen, support, and work alongside you at your pace. If you need support, please get in touch with our team by calling us or emailing us. Help is available, and a life free from abuse is possible.
Call: 0330 094 5559
Email: [email protected]
