Desperate to move out
Question
I'm currently living with my boyfriend, but I don't want to be with him anymore. He has a problem with drink and is emotionally abusive towards me. He can be quite aggressive as well, especially to my dog.
He was abused as a child, so maybe that is why he behaves like he does? It's got to the point where I can't take it anymore. I desperately want to move out, but the trouble is that my parents can't accommodate me because of a lack of space.
I'm a student and I can't rent a room because I have all my household furniture that I don't want to get rid of. I don't earn enough to rent a flat, but I need to get out of this situation, what can I do?
Answer
It sounds like you've been going through a very difficult time with your boyfriend and feeling trapped in your house is simply adding to the problem.
There are options available to you though and you shouldn't have to put up with an abusive situation. If you are at risk of violence or abuse in your home then you may be classed as homeless. You can make a homeless application to the housing department of your local council.
The council may have to give you emergency housing while it looks at your case. This depends on the following:
If the council makes the decision to give you emergency housing, it may also have to provide storage for your belongings if there's no room to take them with you.
If the council says it won't help you because it believes it would have been reasonable for you to stay in your home, get advice immediately. The council may be breaking the law.
Another option may be to talk to Women's Aid or Refuge. Women experiencing domestic violence may be able to stay in a women's refuge. The staff will be able to give you advice about your situation. They can also put you in touch with other agencies such as:
- the police;
- solicitors;
- the housing department.
In the longer term, you could apply to go onto the council's waiting list or a housing association's waiting list, but you might have to wait a long time before you're offered a place to live.
Another option would be to rent privately. Most private landlords ask new tenants to pay a deposit and a month's rent in advance before they move in. If finding a deposit will be difficult, there may be a local scheme that could help. You may be eligible for housing benefit to help pay your rent.
If you would like to talk to someone in confidence about your options you could call Shelter's housing advice helpline on 0808 800 4444.
Alternatively, you could contact a local advice service if you need further help to follow up your options.
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Question answered by Shelter
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