SIWO

The SIWO project addresses the challenges faced by victims of domestic violence in finding a home of their own where they can feel safe. It tests and develops innovative approaches, particularly in places where – as in Leipzig – there are too few affordable and suitable housing options available on the open market, and at the same time the needs of a growing number of women* and children affected by violence and seeking protection can hardly be met by existing shelters.

Offering these people a safe home – this is something housing associations and private landlords could do more often. In collaboration with a civil society organisation, the SIWO project is establishing a personalised advice and referral service for women* affected by violence and for housing providers. The ‘Housing Contact Point’ not only assists with the search for accommodation but also provides individual advice to both parties on everyday issues and safety aspects, even after a successful placement. Interested housing providers, such as housing cooperatives, estate agents or private landlords, can get in touch immediately.

These measures are being supported by the research team at HTWK Leipzig through data collection and analysis. Based on this, adjustments will be made to the support services and the approach to housing providers throughout the project. A direct campaign, an online portal and information materials for landlords are intended to both secure more suitable properties and tap into new groups of providers. Furthermore, the project aims to identify and break down barriers and prejudices against victims of violence, and to encourage housing providers to take on social responsibility.

The expected impact of the project spans short-, medium- and long-term timeframes. Following the pilot phase of the project, the aim is to expand it beyond the region. To this end, the social entrepreneurship skills of both project partners will be strengthened over the course of the project.

The innovative potential of the project lies in expanding and accelerating access to housing for victims of violence and is intended to help reduce the length of stay in Saxony’s women’s* shelters. This will relieve the burden on women’s shelters and increase the chances of those affected by violence finding their own safe home. Cyclical patterns of violence can thus be broken earlier. Greater autonomy and an improved sense of security also have a positive impact on the educational and employment opportunities of women and their children. With this novel approach to improving the housing situation for victims of violence, the project makes a long-term contribution to the implementation of the Istanbul Convention.

About the interdisciplinary research centre “Safe Housing and Domestic Violence”