The Davidson Prize

Secure intergenerational housing empowering domestic abuse survivors to recover

For people experiencing domestic abuse, the home is often the most dangerous place of all. Domestic abuse is a leading cause of homelessness, while housing is a primary barrier for women attempting to leave abusers. Between July and September 2021, domestic abuse accounted for nearly a fifth of households made homeless, while a third of homeless women surveyed in 2018 contributed their homelessness to abuse.

This scheme was developed in collaboration with the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) and Amnesty Feminists to create a gender sensitive and trauma-informed approach to homelessness survivors of domestic abuse. It proposes secure, intergenerational housing where survivors are empowered to recover before moving on to lead independent lives. The brownfield site owned by a public authority is situated within a conservation area 10 minutes’ walk from the amenities, health and education provision of Dudley High Street in the West Midlands.

Family homes, studios and shared spaces for 50 people enclose a sequence of outdoor spaces to form a ‘walled garden’, creating a sense of enclosure and safety. Counselling, childcare, financial and legal support are provided via partnerships with local organisations and businesses as well as ‘by and for’ services for marginalised survivors. To generate income and support public outreach, donated furnishings are sold in a shop / café, with residents given priority to help make their new house a home. When the time is right, survivors are empowered to move on equipped with confidence and skills for the future.

Will King, Architect

Hari Kumar Studio
Hari Kumar, Real Time Artist

Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse
Judith Vickress, DAHA Programme Manager
Alison Ashton, DAHA Regional Lead (North)

Amnesty Feminists
Lo Riches, Amnesty Feminists Committee Member, Lead Activist