PREVIEW

Airbnb Launches Free Housing for Domestic Abuse Survivors. Empty Airbnb listings will now provide temporary housing for victims of domestic abuse at no cost. The pilot scheme targets areas in England where refuge spaces are critically limited. Over half of domestic abuse survivors face homelessness due to a national shortage of refuge spaces, reports The Independent. Data from the Office for National Statistics reveals that six out of ten women fleeing domestic violence were denied refuge between April 2022 and March 2023. In collaboration with Women’s Aid, Airbnb's initiative includes safety measures and a specialised booking system to protect survivors' anonymity. “Sadly, systemic underfunding has left specialist services unable to meet the demands for their support.” Farah Nazeer, CEO of Women’s Aid. Survivors will receive continuous support from domestic abuse specialists during their stay at Airbnb properties. ”Thanks to Airbnb, survivors will have an avenue of safety at a time when their only other choices may be homelessness or returning to their abuser." Farah Nazeer, CEO of Women’s Aid. The initiative aligns with The Independent’s Brick by Brick campaign, which has raised over £350,000 to build safe homes for women escaping abuse. After surpassing the initial target, plans are now underway to construct a second safe home. ”This pilot is a significant step forward in Airbnb’s commitment to ending domestic abuse globally." Amanda Cupples, Airbnb General Manager for Northern Europe.
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