Domestic Violence: Victim Support Services (Hansard, 22 June 1995)

§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Blatch)

A range of services and assistance are provided to women experiencing domestic violence. In 1994–95, in the crucial area of the provision of safe accommodation, over £10 million has been provided by the Government, including £3 million in revenue support, for 1,800 bed spaces in women's refuges and additional capital of £5.8 million to develop further schemes through the Housing Corporation. £151,000 is also being provided in core funding to Women's Aid Federation (England) to provide various support services. £140,000 has been provided over three years towards the enhancement of their national telephone help line and £55,000 to fund a national housing co-ordinator.

Scottish Women's Aid is receiving £180,000, and Welsh Women's Aid £249,000 plus £455,000 to be made available for individual projects. £82,000 was provided to Northern Ireland Women's Aid in 1994–95. Further support is provided by Victim Support which received £10 million in funding in 1994–95 and assists victims of domestic violence through such schemes as the Crown Court Witness Service by providing advice and emotional support to witnesses attending the Crown Court.