South Ayrshire Multi Agency Partnership

Information For Women

Housing

Is it possible for me to keep the house and to make him leave - even though it's in joint names?
Yes, you can apply to the court for an exclusion order - this may be granted if the court believes that you are at risk. A variety of different things can show this, it does not have to be police reports, although they do help in your favour. The court can also attach a power of arrest to this order, so if he tries to come into your home then the police can automatically arrest him. This applies to both married and un-married couples living together.

Is it possible for me to remain living in the house and to make him leave - even though it's not in my name?
Yes, although this is a more complicated process. If you are married to a person you have an automatic right to live in your home, even if it is in his name. If it is privately owned or leased you can apply to transfer either the title for the house or the tenancy agreement into your name. The court will closely examine the need of both parties. They will look to see if either of you have alternative accommodation, they will examine the need of children (if there are any). If you are not married you do have many of these rights - speak to your lawyer for more information.

What if I have to leave home in a hurry?
If you contact Women's Aid, they can organise a police escort to go back to your home to receive your essentials. Someone from Women's Aid will go with you as well.

What is South Ayrshire's refuge like?
South Ayrshire has a shared refuge with 8 places for women and their children (with each family having their own bathroom). There are also stand alone refuge properties, which are fully furnished. Staff routinely visit these houses/flats in order to provide support.

The refuge is a safe house where you can stay with your children. They are not like hostels or institutions and you can have your own say about what goes on. Women's Aid is registered with the Care Commission to provide a housing support system to women residing in all our accommodation. Additionally, there is a support service for all children and young people residing in refuge with their mothers. All staff are specially trained in working with women and children who have experienced domestic abuse.

What can South Ayrshire Women's Aid refuge service offer?

• Where appropriate/available, refuge space for women fleeing Domestic Abuse, for women with or without dependant children.
• Practical and emotional counselling support within refuge and stand alone refuge accommodation.
• Information about legal, housing, financial and benefit rights and entitlements.

You can:

• Stay in a refuge as long as you need to.
• Take the time to decide what you want to do.
• Get support to help you achieve whatever option you've chosen.
• Return home knowing that you will be entitled to refuge space in the future.
• Move into refuge knowing that you have not planned to leave your partner permanently - respite visits are common.
• Be safe - refuge addresses are confidential, and there are refuges all over Britain which you can move to if you can't stay in your own area.
• Get support from other women who have experienced abuse and who are living in the refuge.
• Get support for your children too.

What can Women's Aid refuge service offer children & young people (CYP)?

• Youth Support to help CYP make sense of their experiences.
• Support to validate experiences and work on issues of self esteem and confidence.
• Support to address issues such as equality, respect and misuse of power.
• Help in developing "keeping safe'strategies for the future.
• Peer group work where appropriate.
• Play and recreational opportunities.
• Practical support with nursery, school, college enrolment, travel passes, etc.
• Rights information.

How long can I stay in refuge?
Refuges are temporary but this can mean anything from a few days to a few months depending on what you feel you need. Some women may only want to stay for a few days to get a breathing space while other women may want to stay until they obtain somewhere safe to live permanently. You can decide whether you want to stay for a short time or until you sort out your housing.

If you decide to return to your partner from the refuge you will be supported in your decision - you can always contact Women's Aid again in the future if you want or need to. If you want to obtain permanent re-housing or to exclude your partner from the family home, we can give you the information and support you may need.