Removal of ‘intimidation points’ welcomed by Foyle Women’s Aid and criticised by North West Migrants’ Forum

The removal of intimidation points from the Housing Executive’s Housing Selection Scheme has been welcomed by Foyle Women’s Aid, a charity which supports victims of domestic violence.

Under Rule 23 of the current Selection Scheme, an applicant who meets the criteria is entitled to 200 intimidation points. 

The decision to abolish intimidation points was taken by Communities minister Gordon Lyons (DUP). Making the announcement in the Assembly on Tuesday, he said they would cease by the end of this financial year, however applicants already awarded intimidation points would retain them. 

Speaking to The Derry News, Marie Brown, CEO of Foyle Women’s Aid and the Family Justice Centre,  said ‘intimidation points’ were being “misused”.

“They are also pushing victims of domestic violence further down the housing waiting list,” she added, “because people with ‘intimidation points’ are coming onto the list ahead of them.

“Intimidation points are creating inequality between people on the housing waiting list, as well as  preventing the victims of domestic violence from coming forward,” said Ms Brown. 

Ms Brown also revealed Foyle Women’s Aid had brought forward to the Human Rights Commissioner for review the cases of women who had been on the housing waiting list for 10 years. 

“These are women who have been through our services,” said Ms Brown.

“So, while we welcome the announcement about the removal of intimidation points, we also need to start building more homes so we can house the victims of domestic violence - the women and children currently living in Airbnbs and hotels,” she said.

Citing Westminster’s Public Accounts Committee Report on Homelessness published on Friday, Ms Browne said one of its most shocking findings was that the number of children who died in private, temporary accommodation [in England] rose to 80 in the last year. 

“The situation here is no different from England,” said Ms Browne. The victims of domestic violence are living in sub-standard, unsafe accommodation.

“Foyle Women’s Aid has been emphasising to the Housing Executive the importance of keeping women and children in their own homes and the need to stop moving them about.”

A spokesperson for the North West Migrants’ Forum, which is working to overcome “racial inequality and prejudice”, questioned the language used by Minister Lyons in his announcement regarding intimidation points; it is also seeking a meeting with the minister to discuss the matter. 

He added: “By stating families targeted because of their ethnic identity receive more points than someone targeted because of their gender creates a false and unnecessary comparison between the two.

“We believe prioritisation should be given to everyone whose lives are under threat or who are at risk of serious harm or injury in their own home, including victims of domestic abuse.

“We have witnessed time and again individuals and families forced to leave their accommodation due to racial attack, threat or graffiti. In such instances intimidation points have been a lifeline for them.

“At a time when hostile acts against those of a minority ethnic background are at an all-time high, we would urge Minister Lyons to reflect on the dangerousness of his statement and to reconsider his decision to remove intimidation points from social housing applications rather than reform the system under which they are awarded,” he said. 

Gordon Lyons said he had instigated the removal of intimidation points to “level the playing field for victims of violence”.

He added: “The move will support the Executive’s work in tackling Violence Against Women and Girls by focusing on how violence, or the threat of violence, affects victims and their ability to remain in their home.

“The removal of ‘intimidation points’ means all victims will now be able to access the same categories of points.

“It has long been a source of frustration to me, along with many others in the chamber, that the Selection Scheme treats victims of violence differently based on the cause of that violence. 

“Currently, a victim of terrorism receives a greater award of points than a victim of domestic abuse. Someone targeted because of their ethnic identity receives more points than someone targeted because of their gender,” said Mr Lyons. 

The Minister added that in future the points for violence or threat of violence within the Scheme would not exclude any victims of “abuse, violence or trauma”.

“Regardless of causation, victims will be assessed using the same criteria within the Housing Selection Scheme operated by the NIHE,” he said.

Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan (SDLP) said that efforts to implement a fundamental review of the allocation of social housing points was much needed. 

However, he said that further clarity is needed as to what these changes would mean for victims of domestic abuse.

He added: “I  welcome the ongoing efforts to amend a housing allocation scheme that is abusing many people and is being abused by some.

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“It’s shameful and sad, that it is the victims of domestic abuse who have to uproot their lives and have their homes and it’s appropriate that they should be served equally by the system as other victims of threat, fear and abuse. However, I have concerns about what the complete removal of intimidation points will mean for all victims of violence. 

“The previous Communities Minister made a commitment not to remove these points entirely, recognising the findings of a previous judicial review in which it was found that the failure to award intimidation points, was a failure to protect some applicants from ‘serious and imminent threats.’ I’m not sure what has changed within the department to warrant a U-turn from Minister Lyons.

“The review of primary social needs points is welcome but I’m conscious that this framework already offers points to victims of abuse, albeit with very limited scope. 

“I hope to see the criteria expanded and current points cap reviewed to ensure proper provision for all victims of abuse - whether domestic, paramilitary, or racial. Their safety depends on tailored protections that prioritise their urgent need for a safe place to call home. What exactly this review will deliver remains to be seen,” said mr Durkan.

Under Rule 23 of the Housing Executive’s current Selection Scheme, an applicant is entitled to intimidation points if their home has been destroyed or seriously damaged as a result of a terrorist, racial or sectarian attack.

Intimidation points also apply if an attack on an applicant’s home has been motivated by hostility because of their disability or sexual orientation, or if it is attacked by a person who falls within the scope of the Housing Executive’s statutory powers to address neighbourhood nuisance or other similar forms of antisocial behavior.