DOMESTIC abuse is one of the leading causes of homelessness among women – which is why Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth is funding a new service that combines support for homelessness and domestic abuse.

Recognising how the trauma of domestic abuse can make it difficult for individuals to secure stable housing and maintain employment, Emmaus North East, which provides safe, secure and welcoming places to stay, will now deliver a new referral and sign-posting service.

Funded through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Supporting Victims Programme, the project will provide the support and stability needed to help survivors rebuild their lives.

Plans include providing one-to-one emotional support, referral to counselling, safety planning and advocacy. It may also include the offer of accommodation depending on availability.

Emmaus North East was established in 2009 and since 2017, has offered permanent homes to 404 homeless people, who it calls ‘companions’. At present, they provide 22 homes in South Tyneside for 17 men and 5 women and has a new project with Durham County Council for Single Homeless people. It has supported 16 homeless women at its women-only accommodation, which opened three years ago. All have experienced domestic abuse at some point in their lives.

Although domestic abuse is not a specific referral criteria for Emmaus North East, trauma is a key factor in homelessness, with 94 per cent of homeless people having experienced trauma at some point in their lives.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth said:

“I’ve seen first-hand the transformative impact Emmaus is having in our communities – helping tackle homelessness while also supporting individuals escaping and recovering from domestic abuse.

“I’m also really impressed by the great work they’re doing to drive social change and help homeless people overcome barriers. Accommodation like this has to be about providing more than a roof over someone’s head. Emmaus understands that and offers stability, security and skills that help people rebuild their lives. Everyone needs a home, job, friends an Emmaus supports with it all.

“The women-only accommodation is particularly significant. There are many women who are too frightened to stay in mixed-sex hostels, so Emmaus has taken welcome action to address that.”

As well as providing long-term, trauma-informed accommodation and personalised support, Emmaus also offers meaningful work opportunities through its social enterprises. These include three charity shops, a woodworking and recycling project, and Lucie’s Laundry, the UK’s only free community laundrette.

Each of these enterprises provides purpose, structure and confidence to people on their recovery journey, while also helping to sustain the organisation financially.

Ruth Parker, CEO of Emmaus North East, said:

It was good to welcome Susan Dungworth, the Police and Crime Commissioner to Emmaus North East where she heard real life stories of the experiences of homeless women and the positive impact our support has had on them, which for many has been life changing. The funding through the Victims Fund will allow us to support more homeless women who have been victims of crime. As it is difficult to accurately record the number of homeless women, the demand for the service is somewhat unknown.  Importantly though, we will be there 24/7 to take referrals and offer help.

Abby, who lives in Emmaus North East’s women-only accommodation, said:

“Things are going well for me. Having my own room and my own space means everything – especially after wondering where I would be sleeping next. The women-only building is great because it has everything you need, including a kitchen. If you’re not comfortable being around men, you don’t have to be. You can cook for yourself and take things at your own pace. Over time, as your confidence grows, you can choose to mix with others if and when you’re ready.”

Emmaus is one of 30 specialist victim-survivor services across Northumbria receiving funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Supporting Victims Fund. Together, they will share more than £3.6 million over the next year to provide emotional, practical and therapeutic support to victims of crime, including children and young people.

ENDS