§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what initiatives the Government propose to address domestic violence; and what central government funding will be available for local and voluntary projects in this field in 1998–99. [23511]
§ Mr. MichaelThe Government are committed to tackling domestic violence and are currently developing a strategy to combat it both through prevention and through support to those who have already been victimised. This will include improving public awareness of the issue and of the help that is available to victims.
Central Government provide core funding to the Women's Aid Federation in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and capital and revenue funding for women's refuge spaces. Through the Special Grants Programme, funding has also been made available to Women's Aid Federation (England) to develop training opportunities, resources and facilities for local refuges.
Other central Government provision for local projects includes funding through the Urban Programme for projects in Scotland to help women and children suffering from domestic violence and other forms of abuse: funding from the Welsh Office for local projects in Wales: and funding for local projects in England through the Single Regeneration Budget Challenge Fund.