Why is it that charities such as Women’s aid and Shelter say that there is no need to provide any evidence of domestic abuse if someone is trying to get housed with the council or housing associations and a persons account of their experience is enough when this isn't the case? It's very harmful for victims of DV after they are advised of this only to be told by their local authority that they won't be considered a priority for housing unless they have evidence from an IDVA or the police.
In my area for example it's almost impossible to get an IDVA. Not all women want to go to the police, they might be too scared. They might have jobs they don't want to leave, therefore making it difficult to access a refuge. There might not be refuge space.
They might be experiencing emotional or financial abuse which can't easily be 'proven'
I can see why women give up and remain with their abuser...