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<p>It is critical that victims of domestic abuse get support and especially when they
are in housing need.</p><p>When a housing authority makes inquiries to determine whether
a victim of domestic abuse is eligible for homelessness assistance and owed a duty
under Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996, it may also make inquiries under section 184(2) to
establish if an applicant has a local connection to the area.</p><p>An applicant can
have a local connection to an area if; they are normally resident there, have been
resident there in the past, are employed there, have family associations living there
or due to any special circumstances. Therefore, victims of domestic abuse, who are
homeless and eligible can approach the local authority in an area in which they have
been living for homelessness assistance.</p><p>The Homelessness Code of Guidance is
clear that a housing authority cannot refer an applicant to a housing authority if
they or anyone who might reasonably be expected to reside with them would be at risk
of violence and abuse. Therefore, it may be the case that a victim of domestic abuse
is accommodated in a different local authority in order to ensure their safety.</p><p>
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