The Government yesterday released almost £19m of funding to expand support for survivors of domestic abuse.

Councils working in partnership with charities and other organisations will be able to bid for a share of the money to provide services, such as refuge beds and education, to survivors of domestic abuse.

The new funding builds on £20m allocated in 2016 to 2018 which has helped to provide more than 19,000 survivors with a safe space to rebuild their lives.

‘Domestic abuse is a devastating crime and this Government is committed to ensuring all survivors have access to the support they need, whenever they need it,’ said secretary of state for communities, James Brokenshire MP.

‘This funding will expand the support available for survivors to help them rebuild their lives.’

Katie Ghose, chief executive of Women’s Aid, commented: ‘The release of the next round of funding for refuges and other accommodation for women escaping domestic abuse is desperately needed, and much welcomed.

‘Our national network of refuges not only save lives but transform them, helping women and their children to rebuild their lives.

‘With a decision about the future of refuge funding after 2020 due to be made in the coming months, we look forward to working with the government to ensure the future safety of survivors.

‘Together we need to ensure that there is a sustainable, long-term funding solution for all domestic abuse services, including lifesaving refuges.

‘Only then can we guarantee that every survivor and her children can get the support they need to build a life free from domestic abuse.’