# Stricter housing rules risk domestic violence victims

> Women's Refuge warns new emergency housing rules could deny safety to domestic violence survivors.
- Title: Stricter housing rules risk domestic violence victims · RNZ
- Summary: Women's Refuge warns new emergency housing rules could deny safety to domestic violence survivors. New emergency housing rules may prevent domestic violence…
- Keywords: women's refuge, domestic violence, emergency housing, new zealand, wellington, msd, tama potaka, family violence, politics, news, Stricter, housing
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/community/1786728/stricter-emergency-housing-rules-putting-domestic-violence-victims-at-risk-women-s-refuge-says
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-07T16:35:58+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: women's refuge, domestic violence, emergency housing, new zealand, wellington, msd, tama potaka, family violence, politics, news
## 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.
## Key takeaway

New emergency housing rules may prevent domestic violence victims from accessing safe housing due to strict eligibility criteria.