§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
How much they are spending to support 24-hour helplines for victims of domestic violence; and how this figure compares with the figure at 1 May 1997. [HL2327]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Baroness Hayman)The Government currently give £174,942 in grant-aid support of 24-hour helplines for victims of domestic violence. The figure as of I May 1997 was £108,337.
Within these overall figures, the Department of Health grant-aids the WAFE (Women's Aid Federation—England) helpline. The level of funding at 1 May 1997,1998 and 1999 was £49,000 per annum.
The Department of Health and Social Services and the Northern Ireland Office gave £59,337 to the Northern Ireland Women's Aid domestic violence helpline in the year 1997–98. Total grant payable for the current year will be £90,942.
Between December 1998 and March 1999, the Scottish Office gave £35,000 toward a 24-hour helpline operated by Scottish Women's Aid and Victim Support Scotland.