Domestic abuse

• MPs throw weight behind pledge to tackle domestic abuse

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  Local authorities should treat victims of domestic abuse living in safe accommodation as a priority for social housing, new guidance states.

  

• Funding for women’s refuges cut by 24% over last seven years

  Councils have cut the amount they spent on women’s refuges by nearly a quarter (24%) since 2010, an investigation has revealed.

  

• Directors call for more cash to tackle domestic abuse

  Councils need more sustainable funding to invest in the prevention of the domestic abuse of children, say directors of children’s services.

  

• New plans will make it easier for domestic abuse victims to vote

  The Government has confirmed it will implement plans to make it easier for domestic abuse survivors to register to vote anonymously.

  

• Council fined after delays left woman fleeing domestic violence in B&B

  A council has agreed to pay £3,000 after delays left a woman fleeing domestic violence in ‘unsuitable’ bed and breakfast accommodation for nearly two years.