£1 million boost will help domestic abuse victims to rebuild their lives

DOMESTIC abuse victims and their children will receive extra support to help them rebuild their lives in a safe environment, through an extra £1,130,326 allocated by the government to Leicestershire.

A further £125 million will be handed to councils in England to ensure safe accommodation spaces, such as refuges and shelters, can provide victims with support services including healthcare, social workers and benefits.

Interpreters, immigration advice, drug or alcohol support and other specialist services will also be funded.

The government has also announced it will consult on current housing rules, with the aim of giving victims more choice on where they rebuild their lives.

By looking at the rules on joint tenancies and the Local Connections Test, the government intends to make it easier for them to either move away from their abusers and start their lives afresh, or help them to stay in their own homes if they choose to do so.

Dr Luke Evans, MP for Hinckley and Bosworth, said: “I’m pleased to see this additional funding to help provide further support to victims of this terrible crime.

“If you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, support can be found through Leicestershire Police and through Women’s Aid Leicestershire.”

Rough Sleeping and Housing Minister Eddie Hughes MP said: “This funding will give victims of domestic abuse and their children across the country the practical and emotional support to recover and rebuild their lives.

“Through the landmark Domestic Abuse Act, the government has transformed the response to domestic abuse, helping to prevent offending and make sure victims are protected and supported.”

Safeguarding Minister Rachel Maclean said: “Home is not the safe place it should be for domestic abuse victims and their families. The extra support provided today will provide a vital lifeline for victims as they try to rebuild their lives positively while feeling supported and protected.

“These are important changes that sit alongside the new measures in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which will give victims of domestic abuse longer to report offences to the police, so that abusers do not evade justice.”

The announcement follows the government’s Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which places a legal duty on councils to fund support in safe accommodation for all victims and their families.