'I've worked all my life, paid into the system, now I need something back - but I can't get it'

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

For more than 30 years, Louise* has not come home to a place of safety. Despite all appearances - a 'middle class' life, a good job, a family - behind closed doors, the reality is something completely different.

Louise's adult life has been overshadowed by enduring domestic abuse from her partner. For decades, she says she hid the wounds behind make-up and a 'stiff upper lip'.

Now, although the pair are separated, Louise is still forced to live under the same roof as her abuser. Over the last two years, she has begun to take tentative steps towards escaping the living hell her home has become.

However, Louise claims she was told she was ineligible for help from social housing because she joint owns her house with her ex-partner - despite them knowing the horror of her situation.