During our occupation Steven Hedley of the RMT has visited both our house and street stall. Last year another member of the RMT sought the support of her union and the police after a very serious physical assault by Hedley, her partner at the time.

All members of the Focus E15 campaign would like to make it very clear that this is a women led campaign which began with a group of vulnerable young mothers living in a hostel. Many of the women were accommodated in Focus E15 hostel due to fleeing domestic violence. We therefore take the safety of our members and supporters very seriously. With this in mind, we have asked Steve Hedley not to come to any Focus E15 led events in future. We have also asked that the RMT send a female representative if they want to support our actions.

We would like to send a message of solidarity to Caroline Leneghan, Hedley’s former partner and we admire her bravery in speaking out against a man in a position of considerable power.

The Focus E15 Campaign fights for social housing for all but particularly recognises the importance of access to social housing for those in danger. In such circumstances, a safe home could mean the difference between life and death.

If you have been affected by anything written in this statement, please call The National Domestic Violence Helpline, free from landlines on  0808 2000.