Jan
12
A Lifeline for Domestic Abuse Victims – £2 Million Investment Unveils Critical Support
Author: Chloe Smith, Updated: 12 January 2024 09:48
I welcome the news that domestic abuse victims will receive lifeline payments to help them escape tormenting and often life-threatening abuse and to help rebuild their lives thanks to an additional £2 million investment, the Home Office has announced today.
From 31 January, victims of domestic abuse who do not have the financial means to leave their abusers will be able to apply for a one-off payment of up to £500 via one of over 470 support services for essential items such as groceries, nappies or support with new accommodation to help them and their children flee to safety.
For the first time, victims can also apply for a further one-off payment of up to £2,500 to help secure a sustainable independent future, such as putting down a deposit for rental accommodation. This will help them move forward with their lives and prevent homelessness or pressure to return to abusers because of financial strain.
The fund will be delivered via referrals from a network of local frontline services in England and Wales, who have a specialist understanding of domestic abuse.
The fund, which will initially last until March 2025, builds on a successful pilot funded by the Home Office and delivered with Women’s Aid last year, which helped over 600 victims to safety. Women’s Aid has been re-appointed to provide this additional funding alongside hundreds of domestic abuse services.
I hope that more people come forward and report the abuse they suffer who often feel they have nowhere to turn if the abuse they are dealing with is not physical.
If you, or anyone you know, needs support, please visit https://www.leewaysupport.org/ or call 0300 561 0077
Chloe Smith