A petition to support the plight of victims of domestic violence who are being forced to pay the 'Bedroom Tax' on “panic rooms” in their homes has been backed by Police and Crime Commissioners.

Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire’s crime commissioner, has signed the online petition to call for the Government to make exemptions for victims of domestic abuse or violence from the Spare Room Subsidy if they have had a police assessment or have a safe room in the property.

The ultra-secure spaces are only created by councils when tenants are known to be at real risk of attack from their brutal ex-partners.

Despite this, hundreds of victims are now being told their potentially life-saving sanctuaries will cost them a chunk of their housing benefit.

Mr Burns-Williamson said: “Domestic violence can happen to anyone and can have far reaching effects so we need to do all we can to help victims rebuild their lives without fear of becoming homeless.

“I have made five promises to victims and witnesses in my Police and Crime Plan and that includes ensuring they get the right help and support they need, when they need it in the way they need it from the appropriate agency, including Government departments.

“I agree that vulnerable victims of abuse should not have to rely on local authorities who have Discretionary Housing Payments for their protection.

“Signing this e-petition reinforces my pledge to do more to protect domestic abuse victims and those affected by such abuse.

“Through commissioning of services I will also help provide the support victims need to feel safe, stay safe and help them recover.”

However Pennine Domestic Abuse Forum believes panic rooms are not thought to be used in Kirklees.

A spokesperson said: “Instead, we take a preventative and proactive approach to domestic abuse. This includes working closely with a range of partners at a strategic and operational level, a multi-agency communication strategy to inform and educate the public around the issue, provision of measures to increase someone’s safety in their home where the perpetrator is not resident in the property and one-to-one support through the Sanctuary scheme. People affected by domestic violence have increased priority when applying to the council’s housing register and there is funding for refuges for women fleeing violence.”

Campaigners are now calling for a change in the new regulations forced through by Tory Work And Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith.

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