With the right funding, housing associations should be able to provide a refuge for those who have experienced violence, writes Helena Doyle The government’s new violence against women and girls strategy sets out welcome ambitions to strengthen protection and tackle misogyny, but the real test will be in delivery ( UK government strategy to protect women and girls from violence ‘seriously underfunded’, 18 December ). Housing remains one of the most critical yet underfunded parts of the national response to abuse. Without a secure home, survivors cannot rebuild their lives, access work or engage with support services. Every week, too many women and families seeking help are turned away because there simply isn’t enough safe, suitable housing available. A survivor can’t start again if they have nowhere to go. Housing associations are uniquely placed to bridge that gap – combining safe accommodation with specialist, trauma-informed support that helps people rebuild confidence and independence. Continue reading...