From RNZ · RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa · · 1m 10s
Stricter housing rules risk domestic violence victims
Women's Refuge warns new emergency housing rules could deny safety to domestic violence survivors.
In brief
Women's Refuge warns new emergency housing rules could deny safety to domestic violence survivors. New emergency housing rules may prevent domestic violence victims from accessing safe housing due to strict eligibility criteria. Originally reported by RNZ.
New emergency housing rules
Women's Refuge says stricter emergency housing requirements put domestic violence victims at risk.
2024 policy changes
New rules require proof of need and attempts to secure other housing, removing consideration of whether denying housing would worsen a victim's position.
338 survey respondents
290 respondents had children in emergency housing; most were separated from perpetrators with multiple attempts at separation.
Homelessness statistics
57,000 women make up half of all homeless people according to the latest census.
Digital barriers
Over 30 percent of respondents lost online accounts; a quarter couldn't access important documents to prove housing eligibility.
65 percent property damage
65 percent of Women's Refuge clients reported perpetrators damaging property as intimidation.
13-week eviction risk
Failing to meet housing requirements could lead to 13-week eviction from emergency accommodation.
MSD response
MSD says leaving home due to violence doesn't mean someone contributed to their housing need.
The takeaway
New emergency housing rules may prevent domestic violence victims from accessing safe housing due to strict eligibility criteria.
