When your council does not help you escape violence

Anna tells her story in this episode.

It's the story of how Anna, her partner and their 2 sons had to leave their council flat because their neighbour, who likes to wield a knife, was threatening to kill the children. 

The tyres on Anna's car were slashed. The abuse and aggression escalated as time went on.

Anna asked Hackney council for help for a move to a like-for-like council place. This is what is supposed to happen when people are in serious danger, but - yeah. If only. 

Anna explains what happens when there's a housing crisis and you have to try to find another place to live, because you might be stabbed at your current address. 

She talks about trying to get help from the council, which more or less became a bigger problem than the neighbour. 

This is a part of the housing crisis that perhaps doesn't get the coverage it should - ie, that it's not at all easy for people who are dealing with violence and abuse to leave. 

People can't afford to rent somewhere else. Councils are meant to help you find a safer place, but they're not too good at it. 

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