§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they expect to issue the inter-agency circular on domestic violence and whether it will give clear directions to local networks to give priority to the development and funding of women's refuges and related support services to women and children who are victims of domestic violence.
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Blatch)The inter-agency circular on domestic violence is to be issued shortly. The circular places considerable emphasis on the need for safe accommodation for those fleeing domestic violence and encourages local statutory and voluntary agencies to work together to provide help and support to those suffering domestic violence.
The circular also suggests ways in which local agencies might plan joint action to meet the needs of the local community, in terms of improving local services and developing preventive strategies.
§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
When is the next scheduled meeting of the Ministerial Group on Domestic Violence.
§ Baroness BlatchA date for the next meeting of the Ministerial Group on Domestic Violence has not yet been set, but arrangements are in hand for a meeting in the near future.