She said, “I raised this issue with the Minister just a few weeks ago, highlighting how the current Housing Executive points-based system is failing vulnerable people.
Today’s announcement by the Minister is a hugely important step in levelling the playing field and ensuring fairness for everyone who has suffered intimidation or the threat of violence.
For too long, victims of domestic abuse have been treated unfairly, receiving significantly fewer points compared to those awarded intimidation points. Indeed, there are cases where the victim of domestic abuse has received fewer points than the perpetrator of that abuse.
The change acknowledges that victims of all forms of violence, harassment or trauma will be treated equally and will be given the same priority within the housing system.
Whilst some others have talked about these issues, the current Minister has taken decisive action. It introduces fairness into the system and most importantly it puts victims first.”