Domestic violence survivor and her children told to leave safe house for hotel

A mother who escaped horrific domestic violence and abuse has been told to leave the safe house where she currently resides with her children for a hotel in an unknown location. Janet (not her real name), who was previously supported by Bristol City Council ’s (BCC) asylum team, was told last week her family would have to leave their current flat on November 8.

She was initially contacted by Bristol City Council asylum team in July, but refused to leave the flat and was called and sent an email last week giving her two months' notice to vacate the flat where she lives with her three children.

“My kids are in full time education and if it's not going to be convenient for us to move we will not move," she says.

“When I left my husband because of domestic violence one of the most reasonable things I could do was to seek asylum because of the level of power he has in the country, I needed to protect my kids and myself from any physical harm,” explained Janet.

Janet has worked hard to rebuild a life for herself and her children who are currently preparing for exams in Bristol schools. She continues to attend therapy sessions but fears that this forced move which could potentially be a hotel or outside of Bristol will not only be a backwards move in the progression of her family but could potentially leave them vulnerable and unsafe.

“I have to put on a brave face for the kids but I’m struggling inside,” she added. Janet claims she was left hospitalised and subjected to financial and emotional abuse and became a prisoner in her own home while living with her former partner.

She said: "I’m just living a life of uncertainty because I left my husband for a safe house thinking I was safe from domestic violence. The Home Office has accepted the domestic violence part of my claim and I’m still confused because I was living like a modern slave, I had nothing and am ashamed to say I had to go through bins to feed my kids because at one point I had £20 to live off for six months."

In a recent email Janet shared with Bristol Live, Bristol City Council Asylum team stated: “I am writing to let you know that the Asylum Team Senior Management in consultation with Legal Services have advised that your accommodation should be withdrawn. This is because you are seeking asylum, and the Home Office is responsible for providing you with accommodation.

“In light of this, I have made a section 98 referral to the Home Office who will provide alternative accommodation for you and the children from the 8th of November 2024. This means you have a two weeks’ notice period from today 23/10/24 to 8th November 2024."

A spokesperson for the Home Office told Bristol Live that the Home Office currently has no record of Janet receiving Home Office support and therefore has no involvement in the decision to withdraw accommodation.

A Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “We understand the difficulties that this transition can cause for individuals and families currently claiming asylum and in the appeals process. Whilst we sympathise with those affected by a change in their living circumstances, cases that involve asylum claims or appeals fall under the responsibility of the Home Office to provide accommodation and support as part of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

“Under statutory Section 17 duties, where a need is assessed, the council has a responsibility to support children and their family at risk of destitution. Support from the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) Team is reviewed on an ongoing basis, and immigration status is one of the factors that informs whether the support is provided by the local authority or Home Office.”