Empty Airbnbs to be used to house domestic abuse survivors free of charge

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Empty Airbnbs will be used to house domestic abuse survivors for no cost under a new pilot scheme. The Independent recently reported that more than half of domestic abuse survivors face homelessness after being turned away from refuges due to a chronic national shortage of spaces. Airbnb’s new initiative, which has been launched with leading domestic abuse charity Women’s Aid, will include safety measures to ensure victims remain safe – with the platform rolling out a specialised booking mechanism which allows survivors to remain anonymous. Women’s Aid is extremely grateful to have support from Airbnb as we stand up to abuse and support survivors to live freely and safely.” The news comes as The Independent’s Brick by Brick campaign, in partnership with leading domestic abuse charity Refuge, to raise funds to build a house for women escaping abusive partners recently passed £350,000 in donations.