£125 million for councils to support domestic abuse victims

The government has announced that £125 million of funding will be allocated to councils to help ensure that domestic abuse victims and the children are able to access the support they need.

Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing Eddie Hughes said that access to the life-saving support could be in form of therapy, advocacy and counselling in safe accommodation, including refuges. The money will fund a new duty on councils to ensure victims and their children are able to access life-saving support in safe accommodation – a key part of the government’s landmark Domestic Abuse Bill.

The government has taken action to help the most vulnerable in society during the pandemic, with an unprecedented £76 million pledged in May to ensure vital services including refuges, helplines and counselling remain accessible.

The funding has been allocated following consultation and is in addition to £6 million given last year to help councils prepare for the duty.

Hughes said: “Domestic abuse is a heinous crime which threatens the lives of victims in their own homes where they should feel safe. So it’s right that we’re giving victims support in safe accommodation and providing councils with money to deliver essential services that will help them and their children rebuild their lives. This is part of a long-term strategy to provide broader support for domestic abuse victims both in safe accommodation like refuges, and in their own homes.”