The ECtHR rules that the ‘Bedroom Tax’ is discriminatory against women who are survivors of domestic violence

Update! Our Know Your Human Rights tool for women survivors has now been launched. You can access it here: www.knowyourhumanrights-domesticabusesurvivors.co.uk Last month, the European Court of Human Rights found that the ‘bedroom tax’ discriminated against women who are survivors of domestic violence. Facts of the Case A and her son’s live in a three bedroom house, with a panic room. This housing is provided under the UK’s Sanctuary Scheme, which adapts social housing specifically for survivors of domestic violence, enabling them to live safely in their own homes. A is a survivor of violent sexual crime, harassment, and stalking by a former partner. A receives Housing Benefit to rent her home. Following the change in legislation in 2012 (the so-called “Bedroom tax”), the applicant’s Housing Benefit was reduced by 14%, as she was considered to have one more bedroom than that to which she is entitled (as the house has 3 bedro…

This post was originally published on British Institute of Human Rights News .