Sisters Uncut occupy empty home to demand action on domestic violence
- Text by Michael Segalov
- Photography by Oonagh Cousins
The streets of Hackney, East London are always crowded on a sunny Saturday afternoon, but outside Hackney Town Hall a crowd was gathering. Activists and campaigners from feminist direct action group Sisters Uncut were taking to the streets of London again, ramping up their campaign to demand better services for survivors of domestic violence in the capital and beyond.
After a series of rallying speeches, and time taken to remember those who have died at the hands of domestic violence, the group set off, noisily snaking their way through the busy streets. “We have a right to homes free from violence”, shouted one impassioned protestor. Quickly the group made their way towards an empty council home, one of 1047 in the London borough. Moments later they were inside, occupying the building on the Marian Court, speedily transforming the place into a community centre. The council currently plans on demolishing the block of residences.
Local residents have since been coming out to support the group. Domestic violence is a significant cause of homelessness in London – it is cited as the direct reason for presenting as homeless by 1 in 8 applicants to boroughs. A scarcity of secure, social housing and deep cuts to refuge funding means survivors are regularly turned away or housed in unsafe temporary accommodation or hostels.
“Women approaching the local authority for housing are almost always turned away, unless they have children”, explains Léan McNulty, a domestic violence support worker. “Councils across London place women and children in shared mixed hostels for years on end, palm them off to unaffordable and insecure private sector or place them out of London. The options presented to women fleeing domestic violence are insecure, disruptive and frightening.”
The housing crisis is national, but Hackney is one of the worst affected London boroughs. Domestic violence charity Hackney Refuge is forced to turn away 60% of women seeking help.
Sisters Uncut told Huck that Hackney will lose 915 social homes through its estate regeneration plans, and the new-builds replacing them are too expensive for the majority of residents.
Sisters Uncut hove vowed to continue to occupy the property until Hackney council meet their demands: to fill their empty homes, to stop using hostels for survivors of domestic violence, and to protect council housing in the area. The activists are also calling on the local authority to refuse to implement the Housing Act.
Keep track of Sisters Uncut on Facebook and Twitter.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Latest on Huck
In a city of rapid gentrification, one south London estate stands firm
A Portrait of Central Hill — Social housing is under threat across the British capital. But residents of the Central Hill estate in Crystal Palace are determined to save their homes, and their community.
Written by: Alex King
Analogue Appreciation: Maria Teriaeva’s five pieces that remind her of home
From Sayan to Savoie — In an ever more digital, online world, we ask our favourite artists about their most cherished pieces of physical culture. First up, the Siberian-born, Paris-based composer and synthesist.
Written by: Maria Teriaeva
Petition to save the Prince Charles Cinema signed by over 100,000 people in a day
PCC forever — The Soho institution has claimed its landlord, Zedwell LSQ Ltd, is demanding the insertion of a break clause that would leave it “under permanent threat of closure”.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Remembering Taboo, the party that reshaped ’80s London nightlife
Glitter on the floor — Curators Martin Green and NJ Stevenson revisit Leigh Bowery’s legendary night, a space for wild expression that reimagined partying and fashion.
Written by: Cyna Mirzai
A timeless, dynamic view of the Highland Games
Long Walk Home — Robbie Lawrence travelled to the historic sporting events across Scotland and the USA, hoping to learn about cultural nationalism. He ended up capturing a wholesome, analogue experience rarely found in the modern age.
Written by: Isaac Muk
The rave salvaging toilets for London’s queers
Happy Endings — Public bathrooms have long been contested spaces for LGBTQ+ communities, and rising transphobia is seeing them come under scrutiny. With the infamous rave-in-a-bog at an east London institution, its party-goers are claiming them for their own.
Written by: Ben Smoke