£19 million funding has been granted by the Government to expand support for survivors of domestic abuse services across England. This funding is to help survivors of abuse, and will go towards the provision of refuge beds, education and life skills training. Councils in England that are working with domestic abuse support charities will be able to bid for a share of funding, to help support victims in their local areas.
Between 2016 to 2018, £20 million was allocated to support survivors of domestic abuse. This funding went towards providing more than 2,200 new bed spaces in refuges and supporting more than 19,000 victims, to help them re-build their lives.
The 2015 spending review promised long term funding of £40 million to support domestic abuse victims. We have so far seen the allocation of £20 million and on 2nd July 2018 we saw a further £19 million. We are hopeful to see a further £1 million in due course.
The funding comes alongside recent steps already taken by the government to tackle domestic abuse and ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted for their actions. We have seen a new domestic abuse offence of ‘controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship’ under The Serious Crime Act 2015, and the introduction of new stalking laws. Furthermore, there is also the landmark Domestic Abuse Bill, soon to be introduced.
At Ramsdens we offer support and legal advice to victims, or potential victims, of domestic abuse whether it be physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse. We can apply to Court on an urgent basis for a Non Molestation Order for your immediate protection.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse and need some advice, contact our Family Helpline on 08000 147720, email family@ramsdens.co.uk or text LAW to 67777 to book a free consultation at any of our offices to discuss matters in a confidential manner. We will always accommodate urgent appointments on the same day where necessary.