To expect emergency housing?

[totoromama]

I'm on my way to the council to ask for emergency housing what do I need to ask for/say etc?
On sat my husband assaulted me. I'll called the police and I left. A friend picked me up but I couldn't stay with her so I booked a hotel room. Got there to discover they were full. Tried to book another room somewhere all fully booked. During this time I had my wallet stolen. I phoned police who spent the night driving me to hotels to try to get me somewhere to stay. At about 5 o'clock in the morning they gave up and took me to the train station. I managed to contact my parents (not close due due to husband) and we drove back to theirs where I stayed last night. I'm now on a train back to my home town and an going to the council.
As I have no wallet I have no id/cards etc. I have no where to stay. The police said not to mention my parents to the council as they'd expect them to help.
So what do I say to the housing people?!

That you’re a victim of dv, the police are involved (give the council the report reference number) and that you need housing.

Also give Shelter a call this morning and they will be able to advise you also.

Where will you say you stayed instead of your parents?

Sorry you’re having a shitty time. Hopefully things will be on the up going forward.
Is here even the tiniest chance that your wallet is in the first hotel? I only say as I thought mine got stolen in a hotel lobby the other day but turns out I’d put it down on the desk to get something out of my bag and the hotel had it.

Have you got a passport at home? Is there any chance of your husband being out and being able to get an escort there to go and get it?

First have a hug.

Have you got a crime reference number for the wallet? Contact the bank and get new bank cards, they can be held at the branch for you to collect.

Tell them what you have said here.

Emergency accommodation might be in a hostel, a b and B or a refuge.

Unfortunately things are so tight at the moment you might be expected to sleep on a friend's floor.

This is the start of your new life, things will get better. Good luck.

Don’t say you have friends or family nearby

They’ll give you a B and B to start with

If you're in the UK, you should be entitled to emergency housing on the grounds that you are homeless because you are fleeing domestic violence.

You'll need to be able to evidence that though, eg crime numbers, medical reports.

Thanks all I've cancelled my cards. I can get a crime number from police. I've got a copy of my passport on my phone.
I don't care where they put me as long as it has a bed. I don't have any friends I can stay with. My husband will be at home so I can probably go round tomorrow or tonight to get stuff the police said they would accompany me if I wanted. I just need to get the council to listen

A letter from your parents to say you cannot stay there.

Can you contact womens aid ?

Just tell them you left your husband becuase he hit you. I know you are on your way back to your area, but it may be useful in future to know that any council should be able to help you if fleeing domestic violence.

Also call 0808 2000 247. This is Refuge/ woman’s Aid and they might be able to find you accommodation.

Thanks everyone. The council had nothing for tonight.. My parents have paid for a B&B. Will try again tomorrow and give womens aid a ring

please let us know how you get on

Why can't you stay with your parents? Do you have money (i.e. I understand you wallet was stolen but do you have money on you cards once you get new ones from your bank?)

Hope you are ok x

Well done for having the courage to escape, please stay safe. Unfortunately the council does not have a statutory duty to house you unless you are ill or disabled or pregnant or have children with you ( possibly some other factors but just fleeing DV does not make you a priority for housing). The y will offer advice on how to find housing and apply to be included on the register.