The Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Nicole Jacobs, says: “Domestic abuse has a significant personal cost to victims and an economic cost to society of at least £74bn in a year.
“I welcome this £12 million funding boost. But we must see more sustainable funding for lifesaving services for victims’ safety and wellbeing. I am calling for amendments to the Victims and Prisoners Bill to ensure services like counselling and advocacy support are properly funded based on local assessment of need.
“Plans to introduce £10 million for a new Tackling the Economic Impacts of Domestic Abuse Fund will address an important part of victims’ lives. Victims and survivors often need long term support to recover from abuse and find the stability they need to reach their potential in the workplace and beyond.
“My survey of survivors of domestic abuse found that a third wanted help to stay in work or get a new job. A workplace can be a place of respite and safety. It is vital that employers understand the support they should provide to victims of domestic abuse, including introducing paid leave for victims.
“I hope this funding will be targeted where it is needed to prevent victims experiencing domestic abuse, including for advocacy services which support victims around their safety.
“An additional £2m for the flexible fund will enable even more victims and survivors to access urgent financial support in their hour of need. We know that without the money to cover essentials, too many victims and survivors are left with no choice but to be trapped with the perpetrator.
“These one-off payments will be a lifeline for many, saving the public purse in the long term. I hope to see this support reach as many victims and survivors as possible, including those who face the most significant barriers to support.”