New measures to prevent homelessness among people who have experienced domestic violence

He will tell the Scottish Parliament’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee that if the legislation is passed, it will require all social landlords to develop, implement and maintain a policy to support tenants experiencing domestic violence.

If a tenant is in rent arrears as a result of domestic violence, existing protection against eviction would also be strengthened, requiring social landlords to support the tenant in line with the landlord’s domestic violence policy.

McLennan said: “Scotland already has the toughest homelessness laws in the UK, but domestic violence is the leading cause of women’s homelessness and we want to make sure no one experiences the trauma of losing their home to violence.

“Financial violence is an important element of coercive control in situations of domestic violence. Research suggests that 89% of women experience financial abuse as part of domestic violence.

“The measures in the Housing Bill aim to ensure that people experiencing domestic violence living in social housing are supported to stay at home or find new accommodation if they wish. Furthermore, rent arrears caused by domestic violence do not prevent victims from accessing social housing in the future.”