Pride Month: LGBT+ people fleeing domestic abuse find social housing through Revive

Domestic abuse is a tragic reality for many of the people who are part of the LGBT+ community. According to research from Stonewall and YouGov in 2018, 11% of LGBT+ people have experienced domestic abuse, a number that is twice as high as for the overall population. Research from Galop UK has also found that more than 1 in 4 gay men and lesbian women and more than 1 in 3 of bisexual people report at least one form of domestic abuse since the age of 16. 

If you are part of the LGBT+ community and are experiencing domestic abuse, help is available. This Pride Month, we would like to share some of the stories of applicants* from the LGBT+ community that sought our help. Many of them experienced traumatic domestic abuse, however, access to secure, stable social housing has helped them to turn around their lives.

Leaving an abusive relationship behind

Chris initially registered with Homefinder UK in 2018 as an applicant with general needs. However, his needs were more complex than it seemed at first. Chris was in an abusive relationship, where he was physically and verbally abused by his partner. As HIV positive, he also suffered discrimination and threats from his neighbours almost daily. As commonly happens, he endured abuse for a long time before seeking help. 

Chris contacted our Revive service in deep distress, fearing for his life. Our case manager, in partnership with his council, offered the support and guidance that he needed. Working closely with Chris, the case manager was able to source a property in West Yorkshire where he could start a new life. 

"I have unfortunately heard some of the threats he received from his neighbours over the phone, which also enabled me to provide evidential support to his council on his behalf", says Nicola De Silva, the case manager who helped with his move-on process. "Chris suffered immensely but he was resilient. His move took place in just a few months", she added.

“I would like to thank the team, from the bottom of my heart. If Revive hadn’t helped me, I fear I would have been found dead in that flat”, said Chris. 

Prejudice leading to homelessness

"I’m a gay man from a Jamaican family. I was rejected by my family due to my sexuality and that led me to homelessness", says Tony. 

Tony received no support from his family to find a permanent place to stay. He has been on the streets, sofa surfing and slept in friends’ gardens. 

He sought help through his local council, who was not able to provide Tony permanent accommodation due to the long housing waiting list. He was then referred to the Revive service. "My case manager has helped me so much throughout the process of getting my flat. She made me a priority, helped, and pointed me in the right directions. All of this, with a professional, caring, and passionate manner. I would be still on the streets without her help", says Tony.

Tony was relocated to a one-bedroom property, provided by Clarion North housing, located near the coast. The beach is one train stop away from him. "The place is very peaceful, and I feel safe. I have never considered moving out of my area, but after this move, I see it has been the best choice I have ever made!", he celebrates.

Overcoming a traumatic assault

Mary was referred to our Revive services by her local council who expressed an urgent need for her to be rehoused. Mary’s neighbour has started a hate campaign against her, resulting in an ongoing harassment that she could not tolerate.

Revive then worked with a partner housing provider to offer her a property in the North of England, but Mary declined the offer. After discussing with Mary her reasons for not accepting the property, the case manager found out that her experience of abuse was not limited to the neighbour’s intimidation campaign. 

In her recent past, Mary lived in a city in the North of England, she was then in an abusive same-sex relationship and had experienced a traumatic sexual assault due to her sexual orientation. Once she disclosed that information, the Revive case manager tried to find a property in a different area where Mary would feel more comfortable to move into.

In partnership with the housing association Optivo, Revive allocated another one-bedroom flat for Mary, but viewing was delayed due to the lockdown restrictions. However, to overcome the challenges and to support Mary with a quick relocation, Optivo arranged a virtual viewing of the property. Mary signed the tenancy digitally, moving into the new property a short while thereafter.  

"I love my new home and I'm so grateful for Brenda, my case manager, for her hard work. She was always responsive to my constant calls, text messages and emails", says Mary.  

*All names have been changed to protect the identity of the applicants

Are you suffering domestic abuse and willing to relocate to a different part of the country to start a new life without fear? Our Revive service can help you! Contact the team through 0203 823 1072 or via email on [email protected].

If you have been affected by LGBTQ+ hate crime, sexual violence or domestic abuse & need support navigating the criminal justice system, Galop is available to help, this month & every month: [email protected].