Safe, trauma-informed accommodation for women leaving prison 

New report confirms feasibility of safe, trauma-informed accommodation for women leaving prison 

Today, BWC (Brighton Women’s Centre) publishes a new feasibility study, Safe Accommodation for Women Leaving Prison: Feasibility Study, demonstrating the urgent need for safe, supportive transitional housing for women leaving prison.  

The report was conducted in partnership with Commonweal Housing and Homeless Link between March and July 2024. It lays out a clear, viable model for delivering trauma-informed, women-only accommodation that supports successful integration back into the community and calls for piloting a necessary local housing solution for women leaving custody and returning to Sussex  

Key findings & why they matter 

• The needs are stark: many women released from prison face homelessness or insecure and unsafe housing. Without safe, stable accommodation a woman’s ability to address the multiple and intersecting issues that have led to their involvement in the criminal justice system is greatly reduced  

• The study draws on interviews with women with lived experience, focus groups with practitioners, and a review of existing provision. This mixed-methods approach confirms that supportive, women-only accommodation is both essential and deliverable. 

• Launching a dedicated pilot – with self-contained or semi-equipped units and holistic, gender-responsive support – would provide a “breathing space” for women at a critical moment: immediately upon release, before move-on housing and longer-term stability.  

• The study evaluated two possible models; it recommends a partnership model, working alongside a registered social housing provider – a model found to be more feasible and sustainable.  

What the housing model looks like 

Under the proposed plan: 

• 4 to 5 self-contained (or semi-equipped) units in a property with communal space and secure staff presence.  

• Trauma informed holistic support for women co-produced with BWC caseworkers, including areas of need such as housing, Domestic Abuse/Sexual Violence, Understanding and managing trauma responses, help navigating the complex statutory systems including benefits, probation and children’s services. 

• Support continuing for at least three months after initial placement – with the aim of helping residents to understand options for next steps, to secure and maintain stable move-on housing.  

Next steps  

BWC is now calling on government bodies, local authorities, housing providers, funders and community stakeholders to: 

• Support the establishment of a pilot scheme based on the report’s recommendations. 

• Recognise the vital importance of safe housing for women as a critical component of resettlement, rehabilitation and preventing or reducing further reoffending in local and national housing strategies and commissioning. 

Of the study, Lisa Dando, Director of BWC said: “As this study shows, providing safe, trauma-aware housing for women leaving prison is not only a moral imperative – it’s entirely practical. Now, with this information, we much look to the future of accommodation for women leaving prison and work together with local councils and institutions to make this a reality.” 

The full study is available to view here.