Our work to support survivors of domestic abuse across Europe
Thousands of women and children experiencing domestic abuse and violence are being supported by Airbnb partnerships providing safe temporary accommodation and dedicated care throughout Europe. As part of the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Airbnb is proud to be supporting specialist projects across Ireland, Spain and France helping women and children at risk of violence and abuse.
In Ireland, Airbnb has provided a €250,000 ($260,000 USD) grant to national charity Safe Ireland as part of its new ‘Safe at Home’ sanctuary scheme. Launching in 2023, the joint initiative aims to ensure survivors of domestic abuse can safely return and remain in their own homes through the help of frontline support including security experts, Gardai, and local services. Airbnb has previously worked with Safe Ireland to provide both free emergency accommodation and a €350,000 ($364,000 USD) donation to the charity’s ‘Survivor Fund’ for women accessing refuges and support centers.
Earlier this year, Airbnb offered vulnerable women and children safe spaces with free temporary accommodation through its partnership with Spanish domestic abuse charity Mujeres Unidas Contra el Maltrato (MUM). Each year, the charity helps more than 1,000 women to escape situations of abuse and start a new life.
Alongside this, Airbnb has recently announced it is working with the French government to offer free accommodation for survivors of domestic violence. Working with France Victimes Federation and Airbnb’s incredible community of volunteer Hosts, the partnership will target areas where the number of reports is particularly high, including Nord, Pas-de-Calais and the departments of Greater Paris. Airbnb will provide up to €200 for Hosts per stay in order to encourage and support the spirit of solidarity of its Host community.
“Airbnb understands the power of community, which is why we want to support survivors and ensure they have access to potentially life-saving services during times of crisis. We are privileged to work with domestic violence organizations and local governments across Europe to help protect women and children escaping coercion and abuse.”
Juliette Langlais, Public Policy and Campaigns Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa
“Preventing and combating violence is a long-term battle that must be based on constant vigilance and collective action. The rallying of private companies to this cause is a valuable asset. I am delighted with the experimentation launched by Airbnb with France Victimes and I would like to thank the French people who will respond to this call. Faced with violence against women, we are all concerned.”
Isabelle Lonvis-Rome, Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister for Equality between Women and Men, Diversity and Equal Opportunities