Women’s Aid urges new government to prioritise women and children
Women’s Aid says the election of a new government presents “an opportunity” to change how domestic abuse and violence against women and girls is tackled.
Chief executive Farah Nazeer says while there have been some “positive legislative changes”, survivors are largely let down by disjointed responses and inadequate funding.
“The tragic reality is that one in four women will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lives and the domestic abuse sector must be supported to provide their life-saving services,” said Ms Nazeer.
She added: “The election of a new government today presents an opportunity for real, and tangible change in the way that tackling domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women and girls is approached in this country.
“While there have been some positive legislative changes in recent years, including the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act (2021) and the criminalisation of coercive control, survivors have been largely let down by disjointed responses to the issues they face and inadequate funding.”
Ms Nazeer said Women’s Aid welcomed pledges made by Labour during this election period to halve violence against women and girls within a decade of being elected, but for this promise to be delivered, “urgent and sustainable investment is needed”.
“As it stands, the domestic abuse sector is facing ongoing challenges that leave many survivors facing a postcode lottery of support, with women and children being turned away at their point of need,” she said.
“The Government must commit to investing £427 million per year, as a minimum, into specialist services, so that women and children get the support they deserve. What’s more, we know that every pound invested in domestic abuse support services will see a saving to the Exchequer of at least £9 – saving money and lives.
“Domestic abuse is a national threat and needs an urgent response to protect women and children.
“Women’s Aid invites the new government to work with us and utilise our expertise to deliver on their promises for transformation and to ensure that women and children who have experienced abuse can get the support they deserve.”