£19m to help abuse survivors build lives

ABOUT £19M of promised funding for domestic abuse survivors has been released to help victims rebuild their lives, the Communities Secretary has announced.

The cash will be used to fund refuge beds, education, employment and life skills training, James Brokenshire said.

It follows criticism by campaigners that services have been left overstretched by council cutbacks.

Mr Brokenshire said: “This funding will expand the support available for survivors to help them rebuild their lives.”

The government’s 2015 Spending Review set out plans for £40m in long-term funding to support victims of domestic abuse.

About £20m was allocated the following year to run up to 2018.

It funded more than 2,200 new refuge beds and other specialist accommodation, supporting more than 19,000 survivors, the Government said.

But campaigners have previously warned that the cash was not being felt on the ground.

Katie Ghose, chief executive of charity Women’s Aid, said: “Our national network of refuges not only save lives but transform them, helping women and their children to rebuild their lives.

“With a decision about the future of refuge funding after 2020 due to be made in the coming months, we look forward to working with the Government to ensure the future safety of survivors.

“Together we need to ensure that there is a sustainable, longterm funding solution for all domestic abuse services, including lifesaving refuges.”