UNISON calling for free emergency accomodation for all women fleeing domestic abuse

UNISON is calling for free access to emergency accommodation for allwomen living in domestic violence, including those employed, at the union’s annual women’s conference in Brighton today (Friday 14 February).
 
Hundreds of women members of UNISON working in public services are gathering in Brighton for three days for a series of key motions.  Thedebates include issues affecting women in their personal and professional lives such as the devastating impact of austerity measures, foodbanks, low pay, zero hour contracts and the cost of living crisis.
 
The cuts to services for women forced to leave the home because of domestic violence has sparked a series of highly critical motions on the lack of support for such cases.
 
UNISON women’s officer Sharon Greene said: “It takes huge courage for a woman to leave an abusive relationship and when they do they deserve the best support possible.
 
“There are many reasons why some women believe they can’t leave a violent partner but money should not be one of them. That is why we are calling for access to free emergency accommodation for women and their children if they are forced to flee to safety.
 
“Every woman should have a right to safety and justice. But women in work are being victimised because Government cuts to Legal Aid have drastically reduced the number of people eligible for free legal advice.
 
“The lack of safe alternative options for women also needs to be addressed. Last year, 1.2 million women experienced domestic abuse in the UK, including half a million cases of sexual assault.
 
“We need to have the right provision and support in place to help women and their children who live in fear of the next attack. They deserve to be safe from abuse so they can regain their confidence and have a new start in life.”