ESCAPING domestic abuse is the leading reason for homelessness among women in Jersey, according to a new report published by the Housing Minister.
The report, published this week to coincide with World Homeless Day, combines data from various organisations supporting vulnerable Islanders, including Freeda, the Housing Advice Service, the Sanctuary Trust, and the Shelter Trust.
According to the findings, 39% of homeless women reported being “at risk of, has experienced or escaping domestic abuse” as their main reason for homelessness in the second quarter of 2024.
This was followed by 20% citing the breakdown of relationships characterised by abusive behaviour.
In contrast, the data indicates that alcohol and substance abuse are the main causes of homelessness for men in Jersey.
Kate Wright, chief executive of Freeda (formerly Jersey Women’s Refuge), described the report as “a really important step forward” in understanding the challenges faced by women and children fleeing abusive situations.
She said that women most affected by homelessness in Jersey are in their 30s and 40s, and therefore likely to have children.
“All of the women made welcome at Freeda Jersey’s safe house are homeless. This means their children that flee domestic abuse with them are homeless too,” Ms Wright explained.
Ms Wright, who recently chaired the Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce, also highlighted that the “vast majority” of women seeking support at Freeda’s safe house had less than five years’ residency.
“This makes it extremely difficult for them to access social housing and there is a chronic shortage of emergency family accommodation available to them,” she explained.
“This leaves these women with some terrible choices – often the choice of being separated from their children in order to access safe, sustainable accommodation or to return to their abuser – with their children if they have them.”
