Network
February 17th 2020
New support for survivors of domestic violence
Housing bosses said £16.6m will be shared between 75 councils to help fund domestic abuse refuge services.
‘Domestic abuse destroys lives and leaves victims living in fear in their own homes – the place where they should feel most safe and secure.
‘No victim of domestic abuse should have to struggle to get the right support, or wait months for help that they need.
‘This new funding of £16.6 million will help local areas better protect victims and their children and provide essential life-saving services, delivering the urgent support that they need to rebuild their lives.’
The announcement comes after housing bosses revealed plans to introduce the Domestic Abuse Bill, which they say will bring about the first-ever statutory government definition of domestic abuse to specifically include economic abuse and controlling and manipulative non-physical abuse.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said the Bill will also establish a new Domestic Abuse Commissioner and prohibit the cross-examination of victims by their abusers in the family courts.
‘Refuges form part of an essential national network of support, yet years of local authority funding cuts have had an impact on their sustainability. Services have been cut to the bone and urgently need a long-term funding solution to prevent them from being forced to close.
‘Refuge has worked closely with the government on sustainable funding for services and eagerly awaits the new statutory duty to fund refuges, with sufficient funding to ensure they every woman has somewhere safe to go if they need it.
Cllr Simon Blackburn, chair of the Local Government Association’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said:
‘We are pleased the Government has announced funding to help councils fund domestic abuse refuge services.
‘Tackling domestic abuse is an issue that councils take extremely seriously and they need the cooperation of other public services to tackle this appalling crime.
‘With long-term, sustainable funding, councils can work with the Government and partners to further safeguard individuals and families from the physical and psychological harm of domestic abuse and prevent it happening in the first place.’
Photo Credit – Pixabay