§ Mr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures she proposes to deal with domestic violence; what funds she is making available to(a) local authority and (b) voluntary association projects; and if she will make a statement. [25833]
§ Mr. WorthingtonThe Government are committed to a concerted inter-agency attack on domestic violence. A Regional Forum established in 1995 brings together the main statutory and voluntary interests, including Women's Aid, Victims Support, the RUC, the Probation Service, the NI Court Service and social services. We are also bringing forward new legislation which develops and strengthens the civil law on domestic violence. Government funding towards the regional administrative costs of the NI Women's Aid Federation will be at least £158,000 in 1997–98. Capital costs for women's refuges402W in Northern Ireland are met by the Department of the Environment and amounted to £1.6 million in 1996–97. Revenue support through the housing benefit system amounted to £1.9 million in 1996–97.