The Government has announced a multi-million-pound funding package to help survivors of domestic abuse find a safe environment to rebuild their lives.
Local authorities across England will receive £125m to make sure safe accommodation spaces, such as refuges and shelters, can provide victims with support services including healthcare, social workers and benefits.
Interpreters, immigration advice, drug or alcohol support and other specialist services will also be funded and made available.
The funding will be issued as an un-ringfenced grant to local councils who will then be responsible for making decisions on how it is spent.
‘This funding will give victims of domestic abuse and their children across the country the practical and emotional support to recover and rebuild their lives from this terrible crime,’ said rough sleeping and housing minister Eddie Hughes.
‘Through the landmark Domestic Abuse Act, the government has transformed the response to domestic abuse, helping to prevent offending and make sure victims are protected and supported.
‘The consultations we are launching today build on this work and will help us give victims more options to move forward with their lives in the way that is right for them.’
Responding to this announcement, chair of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) safer and stronger communities board, Cllr Nesil Caliskan said: 'It is good that the additional £125m new burdens funding matches the funding made available in the first year, to help maintain current service provision. However, moving forwards, it is important that Government offers clarity on the provision of funding in future years as this would assist councils with their long-term planning and ensure consistency and stability of services.
'To enable local authorities and partners to effectively tackle domestic abuse, there must be an equal focus on and funding for prevention and early intervention measures that aim to prevent domestic abuse happening in the first place, alongside wider community-based domestic abuse support services. Therefore we also hope to see increased investment in community based support services and perpetrator programmes delivered through the Government consultation on improving victims’ experience of the justice system and the forthcoming Domestic Abuse strategy’
