§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what funding her Department has provided in the current financial year for research into improving the provision and effectiveness of women's refuges. [51147]
§ Ms RuddockIn order to collect accurate information on the full range of accommodation and support services for women and children escaping domestic violence, this Department, in conjunction with the Women's Unit, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the Department of Health, has commissioned a comprehensive package of research.
As part of this package, Women's Aid is undertaking a survey of refuge groups in England which will provide up to date information on refuge provision. The total cost of this element of the research, to be met in this financial year, is £49,000.