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<p>Domestic abuse is an abhorrent crime that nobody should have to suffer. The Government is absolutely committed to protecting victims of domestic abuse and their families.</p><p>This is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland.</p><p>Since 2014 my Department has invested £33.5 million in accommodation-based services, including refuges. On 10 November 2018 we announced the allocation of a further £22 million fund to support victims of domestic abuse over 2018-2020. The fund will support 63 projects covering 254 local areas across England and will provide support to over 25,000 victims and their families, and more than 2,200 additional bed spaces in accommodation-based services, including refuges. Full details of the fund can be found at:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/22-million-for-projects-to-support-domestic-abuse-survivors" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/news/22-million-for-projects-to-support-domestic-abuse-survivors</a>.</p><p>Additionally, since 2015 we have provided over £1 million to Women’s Aid for two projects, Routes to Support and No Woman Turned Away. Routes to Support (formerly UK Refuges Online) is part-funded by the Government and is a UK-wide online database containing information about domestic abuse and other violence against women services, including refuge. No Woman Turned Away provides additional caseworker support to women facing difficulties in accessing refuge, including victims with children. We are continuing to fund these vital projects to 2020.</p><p>My Department has carried out a review of how domestic abuse services are locally commissioned and funded across England. The Review has been informed by an audit, run by Ipsos MORI, of provision of domestic abuse services across England, which enables us to understand what impact services are having and to identify any gaps. We are working with the Domestic Abuse Sector and Local Authorities, drawing on their expertise and data, to develop future, sustainable delivery options for Domestic Abuse Services.</p> |