How does the new funding for domestic abuse victims work?

The Home Office is working closely with Women’s Aid to provide funding for victims of domestic abuse.

The new announcement comes one year after the publication of the Government’s Tackling Domestic Abuse Plan.

It will offer £300,000 for one-off payments of £250 to victims of domestic abuse, increasing to £500 where a victim has children.

Here’s what you need to know about the new funding for domestic abuse victims.

How will the funding work?

The funding is being granted to support victims to leave abusive relationships, following Women’s Aid research which found that almost three-quarters of women living with their abuser are finding it harder to leave as a result of the rising cost of living.

Two-thirds of survivors also said that abusers are using the cost of living increase as a tool for coercive control, including to justify further restricting their access to money.

It puts into action the ‘flexible funding’ model outlined in the Government’s wide-ranging Tackling Domestic Abuse Plan, published a year ago, on March 30, 2022.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said: “It is heart-breaking that vulnerable people find themselves trapped with their abusers without the financial means to leave and find safety.

“We’re absolutely committed to supporting victims in the way that best meets their needs and provides them with the opportunity to rebuild their lives after their trauma.

“I am proud to be working closely with Women’s Aid to deliver these payments, which could change, and potentially save, the lives of hundreds of victims.”

Minister for Safeguarding Sarah Dines added: “Domestic abuse is a harrowing crime that comes in many forms, and it is unfortunately true that financial hardship can make victims even more vulnerable.

“I’m committed to ensuring victims get the support they need, and am pleased that we are working with Women’s Aid to offer these lifeline payments which will help empower victims to take a vital step forward to safety.”

How is Women’s Aid involved?

The money is being allocated to Women’s Aid, given its national reach, expertise, and existing infrastructure to provide the urgent financial support to victims of domestic abuse who need it most.

It will help victims to pay for essentials such as groceries, nappies, sanitary products, and rent on their previous property while they are in a refuge, or it could be put towards a deposit on new accommodation when they leave a refuge.

Women’s Aid will then provide further assistance for victims to set themselves up sustainably, for example by accessing benefits or finding employment.

Farah Nazeer, chief executive of Women’s Aid, said: “This fund is an excellent start in supporting survivors who desperately need emergency funds to leave their abuser, and an important breakthrough moment. This fund really could be the difference between life and death for the most vulnerable. This fund is thanks to the survivors of domestic abuse who have campaigned for this with us and other organisations, and we thank the Government for listening to their voices.

“Through our work with women, we constantly hear about the economic barriers preventing them from fleeing their abusers. That’s why we’ve campaigned since last summer for a fund to meet survivors’ financial needs during this challenging time where many costs have risen, and practically, leaving has become much more difficult.

“This commitment not only provides life-saving support, it also sends a strong message that the Government is committed to helping bring about the day when domestic abuse is not tolerated anywhere in our society.”