Domestic abuse is one of the leading causes of homelessness. When home is no longer a safe place, people may be forced to leave with nowhere else to go. This can affect anyone, regardless of gender, sexuality or background. Families, individuals, children and older people can all be affected. The trauma of abuse is often compounded by the trauma of becoming homeless.

In England and Wales, over 2 million people experience domestic abuse each year. Most of them are women, but men and people who identify as LGBTQ+ are also affected. According to ONS data gathered in 2024, around one in four women and one in twelve men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. In the West Midlands alone, it is estimated that 160,000 adults experience abuse every year. Wolverhampton has historically had higher-than-average rates of domestic abuse, with thousands of cases reported each year. While many victims are women, the number of men reporting domestic abuse has increased. Children often witness or are directly harmed by abuse, creating long-term emotional and developmental challenges.

The link between domestic abuse and homelessness is clear. Survivors may be forced to leave home suddenly to escape danger, but safe accommodation is not always available. Those experiencing economic abuse or control may have no access to money or legal support. Without stable housing, some survivors are pushed into sofa-surfing, staying in unsafe conditions, or sleeping rough. For many, homelessness is not a result of individual failure but of a system that does not provide the right support at the right time.

In Wolverhampton, there are several organisations working hard to support people affected by domestic abuse and they are listed on the Street Support Network website.

These include:

• The Haven Wolverhampton, which provides refuge accommodation and community-based support to women and children experiencing domestic abuse.
• Black Country Women’s Aid, offering services including counselling, support for victims of sexual violence, and advocacy. 
• St George’s Hub, providing outreach support for male victims and their children.

Each of these services offers practical help, emotional support, and a pathway to safety and independence.

You can help shape the future of what the Domestic Abuse Services look like

The City of Wolverhampton Council is currently reviewing and recommissioning domestic abuse services. As part of this process, they are inviting local residents to take part in a consultation. 

This is a chance for individuals, families, and professionals to share their views on what works, what doesn’t, and what needs to change. The council wants to hear from people who have lived experience, as well as those who work in the community, to ensure future services are inclusive, effective and responsive to local needs.

Click here to take you to the City of Wolverhampton Council’s website to find out more and how you can submit your views and ideas.

Support is available in Wolverhampton for women, men and children, whether they are living in the community or in temporary accommodation. Services can include safe housing, legal and financial advice, counselling, emotional and peer support, and help navigating the criminal justice system. With the right support in place, recovery from abuse is possible.

Improving the quality and accessibility of domestic abuse services in Wolverhampton directly supports the West Midlands Combined Authority’s commitment to designing out homelessness.

The Positive Pathway model highlights the importance of early intervention, personalised support, and integrated services to prevent people from reaching crisis point. Ensuring survivors of domestic abuse have access to safe accommodation, legal help, and emotional support is a key part of that strategy.

By listening to the voices of those with lived experience and building services that are responsive, trauma-informed and inclusive, Wolverhampton is taking active steps toward reducing homelessness linked to abuse. This local recommissioning process reflects a wider regional aim: to build a system that not only reacts to homelessness but actively prevents it by addressing the root causes

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, help is out there.

Visit the Street Support Wolverhampton page to find local organisations and resources. Together, we can create a safer city for everyone.