If you just want to leave
Cover your tracks. Delete your online search history.
The law acknowledges that people experiencing domestic abuse have a priority need for accommodation. There are housing options available to you in most situations. For more advice, visit our Homeless people webpages.
Leaving your partner/abuser can be one of the most dangerous times. It’s very important that they don’t find out you are considering leaving.
If you need to leave urgently, you can contact a domestic abuse specialist service for refugee spaces:
- Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0800 254 0909
- Manchester Women's Aid - 0161 660 7999
- Saheli - 0161 945 4187
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000 247
- Emergency housing - Mankind - 0808 800 1170
You can get free travel to the refuge.
If you have a pet and they are not able to join you in the refugee or temporary accommodation, there are some charities that can help you:
If you need to leave your home on the grounds of domestic violence and abuse, then you may be eligible for Housing Benefit on two properties if you intend to return home.
If you need money due to financial struggles, Women’s Aid may be able to support you with a one-off payment.
You may want to leave but may not be able to go into a refuge. You can also register with Manchester Move.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 requires local authorities when re-housing an existing lifetime social tenant, or offering them a new sole tenancy in their own home, to grant a new lifetime tenancy. If the local authority is satisfied that the tenant or a member of their household has been a victim of domestic abuse, the new tenancy is granted in connection with that abuse.
If you do decide to leave
If you're thinking about leaving, be careful who you tell. It's important that the person abusing you does not know where you are going.
Women’s Aid has useful information about making a safety plan. It applies to both women and men, including advice if you do decide to leave.