If you're escaping domestic violence you have a right to local authority temporary accommodation. You can get this by directly approaching your local Homeless Person's Unit for help. You can get in contact with them by:

• looking in your local phone book,
• calling directory enquiries on 118 118, 118 500 (or any of the other directory enquiry numbers)
• calling Shelterline on 0808 800 4444

What they offer you will vary according to your area and what's available. Some local authorities use accommodation within the private sector (i.e. rented house/flat) and others use Bed and Breakfasts and/or reception centres which may involve sharing kitchen and bathroom facilities with other families.

At the time of writing this, local authorities are trying, wherever possible, to avoid having to place families in Bed and Breakfasts as new legislation (The Homelessness Act 2002) states that they are unsuitable for family life.

If you later decide that you've left home permanently and so need to be re-housed then remember to inform your local authority department as soon as possible to let them know you're homeless.

For safety and other issues to do with leaving temporarily see If domestic violence is happening to you.

Back to Practical help

This article was last reviewed by Catherine Orr Deas in December 2005.
First published in February 2003.