Navigating Family Law Podcast Episode 22 - The Hidden Link Between Domestic Abuse and Housing Crisis - Out Now! (15 July 2026)

In Episode 22 of Duncan Lewis Solicitors' Navigating Family Law podcast, Family and Child Care Directors Krina Parmar and Rupinder Jagdev are joined by Housing Director Manjinder Kaur Atwal to discuss the intersection of domestic abuse, family law and housing law.

Together, they explore the often-overlooked connection between domestic abuse, family and child care law, and housing law, examining the legal protections and remedies available to victims across both areas of law.

The discussion covers the definition of domestic abuse under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, the legal remedies available through the family courts, and the housing rights of victims — including the duties owed by local authorities to those fleeing abuse.

Throughout the episode, Krina, Rupinder and Manjinder discuss:

• How domestic abuse is defined under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, and how that definition applies consistently across family and housing law.
• Who qualifies as 'personally connected' for the purposes of family proceedings.
• The protective orders available through the family courts, including non-molestation orders and occupation orders, and how they work in practice.
• How applications for protective injunctions can be made on a without notice basis where there is a risk of significant harm.
• The special measures available to safeguard victims during court proceedings.
• The housing rights of domestic abuse survivors, including how to make a homelessness application to a local authority.
• The duties owed by local authorities to victims of domestic abuse, when it is no longer reasonable for a victim to remain in their current accommodation.
• How local authority decisions can be challenged where they fail to meet their obligations.
• The availability of legal aid for non-molestation orders, occupation orders and homelessness cases.

Victims of domestic abuse have legal avenues in both the family courts and through housing authorities — and understanding how these two areas of law interact can make a significant difference to the options available.

Listen to Episode 22 of Navigating Family Law now to learn more about the legal protections available to domestic abuse survivors and the duties owed by local authorities.

Need Legal Advice?

If you are experiencing domestic abuse and need specialist advice on family law or housing matters, it is important to seek legal advice as early as possible., it is important to seek help as early as possible. At Duncan Lewis Solicitors, our experienced Family Law and Housing teams can provide expert advice and support to help you understand your legal options and protect your rights.

For confidential advice and assistance, please contact our Family Department or Housing Department via the Duncan Lewis website, or speak to one of our specialist solicitors directly.

Previously

In Episode 21, Family and Child Care Director Jaspreet Rai, is joined by Syvil Lloyd Morris, Solicitor Advocate at Bastion Lloyd Morris Solicitor Advocates and a specialist in domestic abuse litigation. Together, they explore the increasingly important issue of economic abuse and how it is being recognised and addressed within family court proceedings.

The discussion examines the impact of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which formally recognised economic abuse as a form of domestic abuse, and considers how the courts' understanding of financial control has evolved over time. Syvil explains how family courts now look beyond individual incidents and instead assess patterns of controlling and coercive behaviour when considering allegations of economic abuse.