New Rent Subsidy Scheme To Help Domestic Violence Victims Find Safe Housing
The Housing Authority will be launching a rent subsidy scheme for victims of domestic violence who are undergoing separation proceedings.
Details of this new scheme were announced during a press conference addressed by the Minister for Family and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon, Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg and the Minister for Affordable Housing Roderick Galdes.
The Parliamentary Secretary explained that the main aim of the scheme is to provide support to victims of domestic violence who, due to the circumstances of their case, need to find alternative accommodation but do not have the financial means to do so. Rebecca Buttigieg said the scheme is intended to serve as the main legacy of the 16 Days of Activism Against Domestic Violence, currently being marked through several initiatives.
The scheme will operate with full transparency, as applications for victims must be submitted by FSWS social workers, who will carry out a detailed assessment of cases that may qualify for this assistance.
The government rent subsidy under this scheme will range from €850 per month for single individuals to €1,300 per month for people with dependants, including children. This support amounts to between more than €10,000 and €15,600 per year for each family.
Applications will be assessed against six criteria using a points system to ensure the assistance is given to those who truly need it, particularly individuals in vulnerable situations who must be removed from the danger of domestic violence.
This initiative is designed for people who, due to ongoing separation proceedings, do not qualify for other social housing schemes despite being in a vulnerable situation.Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon spoke about the government’s ongoing social commitment to ensure that victims are not only given a safe place to live, but also holistic support for their entire family.
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“We must look at the humanity of the victims, and even more so at the children who are exposed to these environments. What we are announcing today is another link in this social chain that we strongly believe in, one that will continue to offer comfort, stability and peace of mind to victims and their families,” Minister Falzon said.
Minister for Social and Affordable Housing Roderick Galdes announced that one million euro has been allocated next year as financial support for victims of domestic violence seeking accommodation during separation proceedings, allowing them to stay away from their abusers.
The scheme, to be administered by the Housing Authority, is similar to the Housing Benefit Scheme but offers higher rent subsidies.
Minister Galdes said subsidies will range between €850 and €1,300 per month depending on the victim’s income and family size.
He confirmed that the Housing Authority will continue to assist NGOs that provide temporary shelter for victims of domestic violence
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