Swindon MPs Robert Buckland and Justin Tomlinson have welcomed the news that Swindon is set to receive funding of £99,995.00 from the Government to provide essential, life-saving support in safe housing for survivors of domestic abuse and their children.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP announced today that £16.6 million will be given to 75 projects to help fund domestic abuse refuge services across the country.
South Swindon MP Robert Buckland, who has been working on the Domestic Abuse Bill in his role as Justice Secretary commented:
“As MPs we regularly visit Swindon Women’s Refuge, as well as working closely with key local agencies involved in tackling domestic abuse in the town. Many brave survivors have shared their stories with me, so we I fully understand the devastating impact this terrible crime has on victims and their families.
“It is a fact often overlooked that men and boys can also be victims of domestic abuse, rape, stalking, forced marriage and other crimes more regularly associated with violence against women and girls.
“Regardless of a person’s gender, these crimes have a significant and distressing impact on the victim.
“Often survivors are left living in fear in their own homes, the place where they should feel most safe and secure, so I am glad that the Government has provided additional funding to enable victims and their children to stay safe, recover from the trauma, and access safe permanent rehousing where needed.”
North Swindon MP, Justin Tomlinson commented:
“Domestic abuse destroys lives, so I am glad that the Conservative Government is taking action and driving the change necessary to ensure that survivors and their families are supported and never have to endure the pain of domestic abuse in silence.
This vital additional funding and joined up work will make a real difference.”
This announcement follows the confirmation of a new legal duty which will create a consistent approach to accommodation-based support for domestic abuse victims across England. This will help all families recover and overcome their experiences, regardless of where they live.
Many councils are already providing tailored support to those in need, but this move will bring an end to the postcode lottery of support for those fleeing abusive relationships.
In addition, the Domestic Abuse Bill being reintroduced to the House shortly will bring about the first-ever statutory government definition of domestic abuse to specifically include economic abuse and controlling and manipulative non-physical abuse.
The Bill will also establish a new Domestic Abuse Commissioner and prohibit the cross-examination of victims by their abusers in the family courts.
