Domestic abuse | LocalGov


Council refuses to pay remedy to domestic abuse victim 13/11/2024 Leicester City Council has refused part of the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman’s recommendation to pay a homeless domestic abuse victim following a complaint.
Mother fleeing abuse forced to live in mixed-sex B&B 10/10/2024 A mother fleeing abuse was forced to live in accommodation so unsuitable her disabled child would soil themselves rather than use the shared bathroom.
Councils granted new powers to tackle domestic abuse 20/09/2024 Local authorities are to be granted more powers to prevent domestic abusers from making contact with their victims, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announces.
Woman denied help after council fails to recognise domestic abuse 05/09/2024 Ealing Council denied a pregnant woman housing support because it used an outdated definition of domestic abuse, an ombudsman has found.
Council leader steps down amid abuse allegations 19/04/2024 The leader of West Northamptonshire Council, Cllr Jonathan Nunn, has stood down amid allegations of abuse.
Seven areas selected for £45m child protection trial 11/04/2024 Seven more areas in England have been selected to trial the Families First for Children (FFC) scheme, a £45m child protection programme.
Domestic abuse services ‘at risk of disappearing’ 26/02/2024 Urgent action is needed to protect domestic abuse services as the local authority finance crisis ‘spirals out of control’, the domestic abuse commissioner has warned.
Khan pledges £15m for domestic abuse services 14/02/2024 Projects that support survivors of domestic abuse in the capital will receive an extra £15m, the major of London has announced.
Abuse main driver of children’s social care demand 17/01/2024 Domestic abuse and violence is the most prevalent category of demand for children’s social care services, a groundbreaking new study has revealed.
Domestic abuse victims at risk over data breaches 28/09/2023 The information commissioner has issued a warning after having to reprimand several organisations for data breaches affecting domestic abuse victims.
London boroughs form partnership to tackle domestic abuse 11/09/2023 Seven boroughs in south London have launched a two-year programme which aims to tackle domestic abuse.
Councils chosen for family-focussed social care trials 27/07/2023 The Government has announced the councils that will test two new children’s social care programmes, which aim to support families through early help.
Thanet Council dismantles Banksy’s ‘Valentine’s Day’ mural 15/02/2023 An artwork by Banksy in Margate has been dismantled by the local council just hours after the artist claimed it as his.
Councils to receive over £250m to support domestic abuse survivors 12/12/2022 Councils are set to receive £257m to provide support for victims of domestic abuse and their children who are staying in safe accommodation.
Children from violent homes to receive mental health support 05/12/2022 Children who have been affected by abuse are set to get automatic access to mental health services regardless of whether they were present during violence.
Domestic abuse survivors face ‘postcode lottery’ 29/11/2022 Survivors of domestic abuse face a ‘postcode lottery’ when it comes to accessing support services across England and Wales, a new study has revealed.
Cost of living crisis to lead to ‘catastrophic’ winter 07/09/2022 The cost of living crisis will have a ‘catastrophic’ impact with an increase in the number of children entering care and a rise in domestic violence.
Khan calls for ‘joined-up approach’ to tackle child-to-parent abuse 13/04/2022 Mayor of London Sadiq Khan today called for a ‘joined-up approach’ to tackle domestic abuse carried out by children against their parents.
Family Courts pioneering approach to support domestic abuse victims 06/04/2022 Filomena Sterkaj outlines how a new pilot aims to better support victims of domestic abuse.
Council chiefs welcome £7.5m domestic abuse funding 31/03/2022 Local authority leaders have welcomed the extra funding and the prioritisation of prevention in the Government’s new plan to tackle domestic abuse.
New pilot to better support victims in family court 08/03/2022 A new pilot to improve the way local authorities and courts share information to better support victims of domestic abuse has been launched.
Councils to receive £125m to support domestic abuse survivors 15/02/2022 The Government has announced a multi-million-pound funding package to help survivors of domestic abuse find a safe environment to rebuild their lives.
Call to end 'patchy' support for children affected by domestic abuse 01/02/2022 Police in England and Wales made almost a quarter of a million referrals to social services for domestic abuse in 2020/21, a charity has uncovered.
Abuse victims given more time to report incidents 05/01/2022 Victims of domestic abuse will be allowed more time to report incidents of common assault or battery against them, the Government today announced.
Domestic abuse crimes rose by 6% in past year 25/11/2021 The number of domestic abuse crimes recorded by the police in England and Wales in the year ending March 2021 increased by 6% on the previous year, new figures have shown.
Peers reveal COVID's impact on children's mental health 05/11/2021 The mental health issues of vulnerable children already receiving support have become more severe due to the pandemic, councils have warned in a new survey.
Guidance sets out new duties for councils to support domestic abuse victims 01/10/2021 Councils have been warned not to house victims of domestic abuse in B&Bs or mixed homeless hostels in new guidance published by the Government.
£10m for family support programmes to prevent violence 27/09/2021 Local authorities have been urged to apply for a £10m fund to find out how family support can help prevent violence.
Calls for more funding as child abuse increases 20/08/2021 Incidents involving death or serious harm to a child have risen in the past year, leading to calls for further funding.
Strategy to stop violence against women ‘missed opportunity’, charity says 09/08/2021 Government’s strategy for tacking violence against women and girls (VAWG) is ‘missed opportunity, charity supporting victims of domestic violence argues.
New safe housing pilot for vulnerable rough sleepers 27/07/2021 Vulnerable rough sleepers will be given access to safe housing under a new pilot in 12 areas in England.
15 local areas to deliver Changing Futures programme 19/07/2021 The most vulnerable people across England will receive co-ordinated support to help rebuild their lives, the Government has announced.
Supporting young victims of domestic abuse 10/06/2021 Steph Waddell says it’s time for a serious long-term commitment from government to improve understanding of what works in supporting children affected by domestic abuse.
Domestic Abuse Bill signed into law 30/04/2021 Councils will now have a legal duty to provide more support to victims of domestic abuse after the the Domestic Abuse Bill received Royal Assent.
Domestic abuse victims facing 'unfair lottery' of support 06/04/2021 Victims of domestic abuse are not getting the help they need due to 'significant' gaps in support, new research has warned.
Changing Futures programme extended for three years 19/03/2021 A programme to help people facing multiple issues has been extended with an extra £18m new investment.
A changing role for councils in tackling domestic abuse 01/03/2021 Harriet Donovan argues that councils will play a key role in supporting victims of abuse if the Domestic Abuse Bill passes.
Charity warns funding for refuges ‘inadequate’ 17/02/2021 A charity focusing on supporting women and children who have survived domestic abuse has warned that existing funding arrangements for refuge services are ‘inadequate’.
Councils allocated £125m domestic abuse funding 12/02/2021 Councils have been allocated their share of £125m to fund the new duty to support domestic violence victims.
New £40m fund launched to support victims of abuse 01/02/2021 The Government has launched a £40m fund to help victims of rape and domestic abuse during the pandemic.
Councils warned not to adopt allocations criteria that disadvantage domestic abuse victims 14/01/2021 The ombudsman has reminded councils to consider the exceptional circumstances of people fleeing domestic abuse when assessing their housing needs.
Councils warn about 'significant' overspends on children’s services 24/11/2020 The number of vulnerable young people referred to councils’ children’s services increased by 15% in the first three months after the first lockdown, figures have shown.
Social services directors report unprecedented demand for help 23/11/2020 Directors of adult social services have reported a sharp rise in demand in the wake of the pandemic, according to a new survey.
Funding boost to support rape and domestic abuse victims 18/11/2020 Nearly £11m in new funding to support domestic abuse and rape victims this winter has been announced.
Report calls for extra investment in women's centres 20/10/2020 The Government has been urged to invest more funding in women's centres to help reduce the number of women in prison, in a new report published today.
Councils receive extra funding to prepare for new domestic abuse duty 06/10/2020 Councils have been awarded an extra £6m to help prepare for the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Bill next April.
Charity calls for end of domestic abuse data 'scandal' 01/10/2020 The Government has been urged to end the ‘scandal’ of only collecting domestic abuse data for people up to the age of 74.
Councils back evictions ban in face of landlord criticism 15/06/2020 Councils have insisted police powers can still be used to evict perpetrators of domestic violence amid the evictions ban.
Charity reports huge increase in women seeking domestic abuse help 28/05/2020 The number of women seeking help for domestic abuse has 'spiked significantly' since lockdown began, a charity has warned.
Ensuring continuity of care in a time of crisis 22/05/2020 Julie Tyas discusses how tech is becoming the eyes and ears of social workers during the pandemic.
Jenrick unveils £76m funding for ‘most vulnerable’ 04/05/2020 The communities secretary has announced £76m funding to support the ‘most vulnerable’ in society during the pandemic.
Multi-million pound funding to support children affected by domestic abuse 29/04/2020 Specialist services that support children affected by domestic abuse will receive £3.1m in extra funding.
Social landlords asked to only allow essential home moves 28/04/2020 Social housing landlords have been asked to pause any non-urgent house moves to help limit the spread of coronavirus.
MPs call for urgent action to deal with rise in domestic abuse 27/04/2020 The Government has been urged to take urgent action to prevent and address the rise in domestic abuse during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Social landlords issued with new domestic abuse guidance 16/04/2020 New guidance to help social landlords protect tenants from domestic violence during the coronavirus pandemic has been published.
Domestic abuse puts children at more risk of exploitation, review warns 01/04/2020 There is an overlap between children’s experience of domestic abuse and their offending behaviour, a review has concluded today.
Council chiefs call for funding for domestic abuse services 03/03/2020 Local authority leaders have welcomed the re-introduction of a Bill aimed at protecting victims of domestic abuse, but called on the Government to fund services designed to prevent violence in the home.
Funding boost to end ‘postcode lottery’ of domestic abuse support 17/02/2020 Councils across England will share £16.6m funding to help provide services and support to survivors of domestic abuse.
Charity warns funding crisis ‘biggest issue’ facing domestic abuse sector 28/01/2020 Nearly two thirds of refuge referrals were declined last year, a charity for survivors of domestic abuse has discovered.
Nearly 700 children a day at risk of domestic violence 21/11/2019 Many children facing domestic abuse are failing to get the support they need because of a 'postcode lottery, a new report has warned today.
Victims of domestic abuse let down by 'fragmented' system 21/11/2019 Victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence are being let down by 'inconsistent, complex and short term' services in Wales, according to a new report.
‘Horrifying’ lack of support for vulnerable men 18/11/2019 Only three councils are providing accommodation for male victims of domestic violence, a new investigation has revealed.
Whitehall confirms plans to end ‘postcode lottery’ for abuse survivors 21/10/2019 The Government has confirmed plans for a new legal duty for local authorities to provide survivors of domestic abuse with safe accommodation.
Fear of homelessness keeping women in ‘dangerous situations’, report finds 17/10/2019 Almost half of women fleeing secure tenancies said that fear of becoming homeless had been a barrier to leaving their abuser, a new study has revealed.
First domestic abuse commissioner appointed 18/09/2019 Local government leaders have welcomed the appointment of the first commissioner responsible for tackling domestic abuse.
Government to reintroduce Domestic Abuse Bill 13/09/2019 The prime minister has confirmed that his Government will reintroduce a Bill to help tackle the ‘horrific crime’ of domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse survivors face homelessness, charity warns 12/09/2019 A charity has warned that women escaping domestic abuse face the risk of homelessness due to a lack of refuge bed spaces.
Khan announces 200 new homes for rough sleepers and victims of domestic abuse 09/08/2019 Up to 200 new homes will be built in London to help former rough sleeps and victims of domestic abuse to leave hostels and refuges.
London Assembly reminds PM of past promises 25/07/2019 The London Assembly has written to the new PM urging him to continue opposing Heathrow expansion and calling on him to support moves to tackle domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse victims in rural areas ‘failed’ by system 17/07/2019 Victims of domestic abuse living in the countryside are ‘isolated, unsupported and unprotected’ a damning report has warned today.
Council chiefs call for ‘adequate resources’ to tackle domestic abuse 16/07/2019 Local authority leaders have called for the ‘resources’ needed to fund early intervention services aimed at preventing domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse victims more likely to develop a mental illness 07/06/2019 Women suffering domestic abuse are three times more likely than others to develop mental illness, according to a study.
Nearly 2,000 abuse victims a year struggle to access ‘safe’ council housing 30/05/2019 Around 1,960 people fleeing domestic abuse each year are put at risk of homelessness because they are not eligible for ‘safe, secure housing’, study shows.
Council refuses to accept ruling over treatment of homeless family 30/05/2019 Oadby and Wigston Borough Council has refused to accept an official ruling over its treatment of a homeless family facing domestic violence, according to LGO.
Pledge to end 'postcode lottery' for domestic abuse victims 13/05/2019 Councils will be legally required to provide safe housing for survivors of domestic abuse under new measures announced today.
Domestic abuse services ‘struggling’ due to budget cuts 01/04/2019 Nearly 60% of women accessing domestic abuse support services have children and one in 15 are pregnant, according to a new report.
Deputy mayor suspended from Labour after abuse allegations 08/03/2019 The deputy lord mayor of Oxford City Council has been suspended from the local authority’s Labour Group due to an allegation of domestic abuse.
Council offers extra paid leave to staff who suffer from domestic abuse 08/03/2019 Staff at an east London council who suffer from domestic abuse are to be given 10 days paid leave to tackle the problem.
Austerity is gutting services ‘vital’ to women’s lives, report reveals 07/03/2019 Austerity has hit women the hardest with funding for women’s refuges, social care and youth and children’s services slashed, a new report has found.
Former Spice Girl raises awareness of economic abuse 06/03/2019 Spice Girl Mel B has visited Downing Street as the Government prepares to recognise economic abuse in its definition of domestic abuse for the first time.
Council offers additional leave to victims of abuse 14/02/2019 A Scottish Council is set to be the first in Europe to offer additional leave provision to employees who are victims of domestic abuse.
Council chiefs call for more funding to tackle domestic abuse 22/01/2019 Local government leaders say they support Whitehall’s new measures aimed at tackling domestic abuse, but add that they must be fully funded.
Supporting victims of domestic abuse 21/01/2019 More than a year after the Government promised a domestic abuse bill, Neil Merrick explores what councils are currently doing to help protect victims.
Government failing to treat children as victims of domestic abuse, warns charity 11/01/2019 Nearly a quarter of a million children should be classed as victims of domestic abuse, the NSPCC has said today.
Whitehall confirms £22m for domestic abuse survivors 12/11/2018 Over 60 projects are set to receive a multi-million pound injection of cash in order to help survivors of domestic abuse, the Government has confirmed.
Universal Credit ‘retrograde’ step in tackling domestic abuse 22/10/2018 Single household payments under UC are a ‘retrograde’ step which makes it difficult for victims of domestic violence to escape their abuser, according to MPs.
Universal Credit could increase risk of domestic violence, MPs warn 01/08/2018 Paying the Universal Credit benefit to a household rather than individuals could increase the risk of domestic violence, MPs have warned.
Whitehall launches £8m domestic abuse fund 23/07/2018 Local authorities are now able to bid for money from an £8m fund in order to help children who have been affected by domestic abuse, the Government announced over the weekend.
Two million children at ‘serious risk’, report reveals 04/07/2018 Over two million children are growing up in families where there are ‘serious risks’, a major new study has revealed.
Whitehall announces £19m to support domestic abuse survivors 03/07/2018 The Government yesterday released almost £19m of funding to expand support for survivors of domestic abuse.
Councils turning away abused women warns charity 27/06/2018 Councils are turning away survivors of domestic abuse and their children, forcing them to sleep rough, a report by Women’s Aid has claimed.
Universal Credit could put domestic violence victims ‘at further risk’ 19/06/2018 Reforms to the welfare system could increase women’s vulnerability to financial abuse, a new report has argued today.
Councils chiefs take a stand against domestic violence ahead of World Cup 14/06/2018 Local government leaders have called on the footballing community to raise awareness of domestic abuse as studies reveal a correlation between England matches and violence against women.
Housing experts pledge to tackle domestic abuse 30/05/2018 Housing experts have issued a 'pledge' they say will help tackle domestic abuse.
MPs throw weight behind pledge to tackle domestic abuse 23/05/2018 More than 100 MPs and members of the House of Lords have pledged support for a campaign to end sexual violence and domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse survivors ‘falling through the cracks’ charity warns 10/05/2018 Many survivors of domestic abuse are falling into a cycle of homelessness and abuse due to the complexity of the housing system, a charity has warned.
A public health approach to tackling domestic abuse 26/04/2018 Early intervention is key to tackling domestic abuse, particularly involving children, and as Stuart Gallimore argues, the Government has to take a firmer lead from the front.
MPs to investigate link between Universal Credit and abuse 18/04/2018 The Work and Pensions Committee today announced they will be holding a one-off evidence session on the relationship between Universal Credit and domestic abuse.
Half of children referred to councils for ‘extra help’ have suffered abuse 19/02/2018 Council chiefs have called for more Government support for children’s services after it was revealed half of the children referred to local authorities for ‘extra help’ have suffered domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse victims to be prioritised for social housing 30/10/2017 Local authorities should treat victims of domestic abuse living in safe accommodation as a priority for social housing, new guidance states.