75 projects across the country will be given a share of £16.6 million funding to support victims of domestic abuse. The funding has been announced by the Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick, who has committed to ensuring victims have access to the support they need from local councils.
He commented:
“Domestic abuse destroys lives and leaves victims living in fear in their own homes – the place where they should feel most safe and secure.
“No victim of domestic abuse should have to struggle to get the right support, or wait months for help that they need. This new funding of £16.6 million will help local areas better protect victims and their children and provide essential life-saving services, delivering the urgent support that they need to rebuild their lives.”
Over two million people are victims of domestic abuse every year. The announcement today is a vital step towards ending the postcode lottery of support as it introduces a new legal duty to ensure accommodation-based support across England.
Gosport MP, Caroline Dinenage, is a champion of Hestia’s the ‘UK Says No More’ campaign which looks to end domestic abuse and sexual assault across the country. She has also been a strong supporter of the Landmark Domestic Abuse Bill which is going to be reintroduced to Parliament shortly and will establish a new Domestic Abuse Commissioner and the first ever statutory government definition of domestic abuse.
Caroline commented:
“You never know that goes on behind closed doors, and to hear that two million people across the UK face domestic violence every year, whether verbal, physical or economical, just shows the scale of support that we need to provide for them and their families.
“Today is another vital step that the Government is taking to ensure that no matter who you are or where you live, you can speak out safely against your abuser and get the help needed to rebuild your life.”
