**Government Unveils Major Boost for Domestic Abuse Victims Across England and Wales**
In a significant move to bolster support for those experiencing domestic abuse, sexual violence, so-called ‘honour’-based abuse, and stalking, the UK Home Secretary has announced a nearly £20 million funding package. The measure aims to expand the reach and resources of specialist support services throughout England and Wales, providing thousands more victims with access to vital aid.
A key portion of the funding directs over £6 million to leading helplines operated by nine organisations, supporting diverse communities and victim needs. Among the beneficiaries are charities such as Refuge, responsible for the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, and HourGlass, which attends to older people affected by abuse. Sign Health, catering to Deaf victims, and Galop, which supports LGBTQ+ communities, are also set to benefit. The Suzy Lamplugh Trust, Karma Nirvana, and Respect are among the other charities receiving funding to maintain and enhance their helpline operations, with objectives including increased staffing and greater capacity to respond to victims seeking escape from abuse.
In addition to helpline support, the new funding package includes £5.3 million specifically targeted at services aiding children impacted by domestic violence. These services are designed to provide both individual and group counselling, direct classroom assistance, and support for non-abusive parents, recognising the ripple effect such situations have on family units.
Financial barriers often trap victims in abusive environments. To address this, approximately £2 million from the newly announced funds will be allocated to assist victims in accessing monetary resources to facilitate their departure from perilous home situations. Through Women’s Aid’s Flexible Fund, survivors may receive payments up to £500 for urgent safety needs and up to £2,500 to help secure deposits for rented accommodation, directly addressing one of the principal obstacles to gaining independence.
Further investment of £2.5 million is earmarked for preventative measures and improved institutional responses to gender-based violence and abuse. The planned initiatives will focus on better understanding and identifying violence against women and girls (VAWG), the prevention of ‘honour’-based abuse, and strengthened multi-agency collaboration for higher quality risk management.
Jess Phillips, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, emphasised the necessity for multiple accessible avenues for victims to seek help. Speaking to WalesOnline, Phillips said, “There are people suffering now who need help right now and I also know we must focus on how to prevent people becoming perpetrators.” She pointed to ongoing concerns surrounding misogynistic attitudes among some young people, underlining the importance of targeted school programmes as part of broader government ambitions to halve violence against women and girls within a decade.
Although domestic abuse services in Wales are mainly funded by the Welsh Government, this latest funding will enhance UK-wide helplines catering to Welsh callers as well. Phillips reassured the public: “I want people in Wales to know that if they ring one of the helplines, they won’t have the phone put down. We work closely with the Welsh Government to keep funding in synergy.”
Additional elements of the investment include £2.4 million for the Support for Migrant Victims Scheme, dedicated to assisting those with insecure immigration status and limited access to public funds, and nearly £1.7 million to bolster sexual violence specialist services, advocacy for families bereaved by domestic abuse, support for victims of economic abuse, and training for employers to spot and respond to warning signs.
This multifaceted funding drive marks a renewed government effort to address the complex and wide-reaching impacts of domestic and gender-based violence. By channelling resources into frontline support, prevention, and community education, officials aim to tangibly reduce the prevalence of abuse and improve outcomes for survivors across England and Wales.
Campaigners and service providers have broadly welcomed the announcement, though many continue to call for longer-term, sustainable funding arrangements to meet the scale of demand. For now, however, the fresh investment comes as a timely lifeline for many facing urgent and dangerous situations, and may signify a growing commitment to tackling the scourge of domestic and gender-based violence in British society.