Why women need stable housing

International Women’s Day has passed for another year. It is always important to celebrate women’s achievements, strength and resilience. It is also a reminder of the difficult realities many women continue to face every day.

Almost a third of women in the UK (30.1%) have experienced domestic abuse since the age of 16. Only around 2 percent of medical funding is spent on on women’s reproductive health, even though one in three women experiences reproductive or gynaecological issues. One in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.

These are not just numbers. They represent many of the women who come to us in need of safety and support.

Ruby’s story: from crisis to stability

Ruby was 23 when she came to Framework after becoming homeless. She had survived a recent sexual assault and was dealing with significant trauma. She was moved from one hotel or hostel to another, never knowing how long she would be allowed to stay.

Instability in temporary accommodation can make existing trauma worse. When you do not feel safe or settled, it becomes almost impossible to begin healing or to plan for the future.

“I could not see a light at the end of the tunnel,” Ruby told us. “I was incredibly isolated, suicidal and it was a really awful time for me to be honest.”

Things began to change when she was referred to Framework.

“I could not believe it. I had the keys within a week. It feels like the first place that is truly mine and that is completely safe for me. I have 24/7 support downstairs to help me with everything or anything I need. It is tailored completely to me.”

What helped Ruby was not only having a home, it was the consistent support. Someone listened to her, helped her attend appointments, explained bills and guided her through the difficult circumstances that had led to her homelessness.

A stable home gave her space to breathe and to begin thinking about a future again.

Support must be visible all year

Ruby’s story shows why specialist support for women matters. Recovery does not happen overnight. Stability does not appear without ongoing help. And women’s safety and wellbeing should not be highlighted on only one day each year.

Emergency accommodation plays a vital role, but long term recovery needs something more. It needs a safe and secure home where someone can rebuild their confidence, their independence and their future.

This is what Framework provides every day. If you’d like to support our work improving the lives of women across Nottingham and the East Midlands, you can do so here.

Ruby has shared her experience in a short film so that others might feel less alone and to show what can happen when women receive the right support at the right time.

You can watch her full video below or on Framework’s YouTube channel.