I am a mother of four children. Ages are 13,5,4 and 3 We had to leave our home because of domestic abuse, making the difficult decision to prioritise our safety and wellbeing.

Leaving was not a choice I made lightly. I did not choose to leave our home permanently. I left because I was trying to protect my children from experiencing further trauma and believed it was the safest option for them at that time.

I expected to be able to return home once the situation had changed, as I understood that alternative arrangements were being made. Instead, we found ourselves separated from the home, stability, and community we had always known.

While leaving gave us safety, it also meant losing the security of our family home and the place where my children's lives were rooted.

Beccles is our home. It is where my children's schools, friendships, family support, and community are. After everything they have experienced, maintaining that stability is incredibly important for their wellbeing.

Children should never have to lose their home and their sense of belonging because their family had to leave an unsafe situation. We need our home back.

I am calling on Waveney & Yare Housing Association to introduce a clear and comprehensive Domestic Abuse Policy that protects tenants experiencing domestic abuse and puts the safety and wellbeing of victims and their children first.

The policy should ensure that:

 

Victims of domestic abuse are not disadvantaged or forced to leave their homes because of the actions of the perpetrator. They should be able to remain in their home whilst perpetrator should be forced to leave.
Every domestic abuse case is assessed individually using a trauma-informed approach.
The welfare, stability, and best interests of children are a central consideration in all housing decisions.
Staff receive appropriate training to recognise and respond to domestic abuse.
Survivors are supported to remain safely in their local community wherever possible, maintaining access to schools, family, healthcare, and support networks.
Domestic abuse survivors should not be left to rebuild their lives alone while perpetrators remain unaffected.

 Waveney & Yare Housing Association has the opportunity to lead by adopting a clear policy that ensures fairness, compassion, and protection for vulnerable families.

We are asking for:

A full review of our housing situation.

Every possible effort to help us remain connected to our community in Beccles.

Greater consideration for the impact housing decisions have on children affected by domestic abuse.

This petition is not about blame. It is about compassion, fairness, and recognising that families escaping domestic abuse deserve support, stability, and the chance to rebuild their lives.

Please sign and share this petition to show that children deserve safety, security, and the opportunity to remain connected to the communities that support them.

Thank you for standing with us