Support Systems and Housing Search Guide for DV Survivors in Need of Emergency Relocation

How DV Survivors Can Secure Housing

If you need to leave your current home due to domestic violence, it's important not to rush and to secure safety step by step. The general process is outlined below.

1. Emergency Evacuation: First, ensure your physical safety (DV shelters and temporary protection facilities)
2. Legal Protection Applications: Filing for protection orders and obtaining restraining orders
3. Medium-Term Housing Security: Applying for public housing and transitioning to private rental
4. Support for Rebuilding Life: Using social welfare, various benefits, and employment support

Following this process, we'll explain what support is available at each stage.

Temporary Protection Facilities for Emergency Evacuation

DV survivors can access temporary protection facilities by consulting with a Spousal Violence Counseling and Support Center (established in each prefecture). Temporary protection is normally two weeks, but can be extended depending on circumstances.

Consultation Hotlines:

• •DV Consultation Navigator (#8008): A nationwide hotline that connects you to your prefectural Spousal Violence Counseling and Support Center
• •Spousal Violence Counseling and Support Center: Located in women's centers and welfare offices in each prefecture
• •Police: Call 110 first if your life is in immediate danger

Even if it's difficult to go out, consultation by phone or email is available in some cases.

Priority Housing Program for Public Rental Housing

DV survivors are eligible for priority admission and priority application to public rental housing in many municipalities. This system allows priority housing without going through the normal lottery.

Required Documents for Application (General Guidelines):

• •Certification of abuse or confirmation letter from a Spousal Violence Counseling and Support Center or police
• •Resident registration document (issued after moving from your current address; not required if you've applied for address confidentiality)
• •Income verification documents

Apply at your municipal housing office. Case workers at temporary protection facilities often support the application process, so don't hesitate to ask for help.

Transitioning to Private Rental Housing and Applying for Address Confidentiality

If public housing isn't available or you need housing immediately, you can move directly to private rental housing. The key to doing this safely is applying for address confidentiality (resident registration confidentiality).

To prevent your spouse or ex-spouse from finding your address, you can apply for resident registration confidentiality (DV support measures) at your municipal office. This prevents your abuser from obtaining your new address even if they request a resident registration document from the government.

Important Points When Moving into Private Rental Housing:

• •Your name and address on the lease will be known to the property management company and landlord, but won't be disclosed to third parties
• •Make sure your abuser is not listed as an emergency contact
• •Avoid having your abuser serve as your joint guarantor

When searching for private rental housing, prioritize properties registered as Safe Housing Network properties by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism for those with housing security concerns. This can make it easier to pass housing applications.

Financial Support: Social Welfare and Housing Security Allowance

Emergency relocation due to DV often requires significant initial costs and living expenses. The main support programs available are as follows:

Housing Security Allowance: A program that provides rent assistance for up to three months (extendable up to nine months if you meet certain requirements) for those at risk of losing housing due to job loss or business closure. DV survivors who have lost employment or seen income reduction may be eligible. Apply at your municipal Self-Reliance Consultation and Support Center (Living in Difficulty Support Window).

Social Welfare (Seikatsu Hogo): If your income falls below the social welfare standard, you can apply for social welfare. Housing assistance will cover part of your rent.

Emergency Small-Lot Loans and Comprehensive Support Loans: Loan programs administered by Social Welfare Councils can help you cover sudden expenses.

Practical Steps for a Safe Move

For DV survivors, moving is different from typical relocations—the top priority is ensuring your abuser doesn't learn your new address. Here are practical considerations:

• •Move belongings quickly while your abuser is away: Consult with support agencies and police, and ask supporters or family members to accompany you if possible. If retrieving items later would be dangerous, prioritize taking only essentials (ID, bank books, seals, maternal and child health handbook, regular medications, etc.)
• •Use mail forwarding cautiously: While mail forwarding is convenient, it can inadvertently reveal your move. For important mail, it's safer to contact each sender directly to update your address.
• •Unlink phones and accounts: Your new address could be exposed through shared location apps, family cloud accounts, or joint shopping accounts. Before moving, thoroughly check all login sessions and shared settings.
• •School and childcare transitions: Inform schools and childcare centers of your situation and ask them not to share information with your abuser. You can also consult with your education board about maintaining confidentiality.

Mothers and Children's Living Support Facilities

If you're raising children under 18, Mothers and Children's Living Support Facilities are another option. These child welfare facilities allow you and your children to live together while receiving ongoing support for employment, childcare, and finding housing after discharge. Applications are made through your municipal welfare office. These facilities support longer-term stays than temporary protection facilities, making them ideal for rebuilding your life.

Summary: Don't Cope Alone—Use Available Support Services

Securing housing as a DV survivor involves multiple challenges—legal protection, public support, financial assistance, and help with housing applications. Rather than trying to solve these alone, the most reliable approach is to work with case workers at Spousal Violence Counseling and Support Centers and support organizations who can guide and assist you through each step.

In an emergency, start by calling #8008 and telling them you need to discuss housing. The first step toward safe housing is just one phone call away.

Detailed explanation of joint guarantor responsibilities and risks in rental contracts. Expert guidance covering guarantor company options and alternative solutions.