A domestic abuse victim felt vulnerable after an armed police lockdown at her temporary Lewisham accommodation.
Last week, police locked down Lewisham High Street. A man was seen with a knife, yelling from his flat’s window on the third floor.
Anna, a domestic abuse victim, lived below him. She fled with her young daughter due to the chaos after hearing banging and screaming above.
Anna said police and other emergency services were already there. She saw the man with a knife, as he threatened violence and death.
Police told Anna to go to Lewisham Leisure Centre and gave her a hotel room for the night. Residents waited to return home safely.
The stand-off lasted almost sixteen hours. Police entered the flat the next morning and arrested the man around 2:30 am.
Police said the man was detained safely and taken to the hospital. He was arrested for affray and threats.
Anna felt helpless and very vulnerable. She said it was a frightening experience, especially since Lambeth Council housed her there in 2021. She’s moved five times in four years through temporary placements by Lambeth Council after requesting suitability reviews.
Anna said the building is noisy with fights, but never this extreme, with knives. Now, they’re far from their support system.
She says the council assessed her needs, but didn’t vet other tenants. She feels councils put her in danger, and feels more afraid, not supported. In 2023, London councils housed many homeless abuse survivors; the number increased since 2018.
These services give housing for six months to help prevent homelessness for victims. An advisor from Advance spoke up, stating that councils must consider all survivors’ needs. This includes safety in temporary housing, as abuse survivors need stability.
Survivors face trauma and mental health issues. Unsuitable housing risks re-traumatization and also risks more abuse.
Lambeth spends millions on temporary housing, currently housing over 4,700 households nightly. Many are on a social housing waitlist.
Lambeth said they aim to provide suitable housing, but face housing shortages in London, and that they conducted a suitability assessment here. They consider needs and available housing, and urge residents to report concerns, working with police on safety issues.