Local MP Robert Largan has welcomed the Government’s decision to give councils £125 million to provide vital support services to domestic abuse victims in 2022–23, taking the total support to date to £330 million.
This includes £1,475,275 for Derbyshire County Council, and £32,013 for High Peak Borough Council.
The extra investment will play an important role in funding healthcare, social work, benefits, interpreters, immigration advice, and other specialist services—so that victims of domestic abuse can access the support they need to turn their lives around.
The financial assistance Derbyshire County Council and High Peak Borough Council will receive from the Government will help them to increase the support they can offer domestic abuse victims in a flexible way. Councils will be permitted to choose locally what priorities should receive investment and benefit those in their own communities in dire need.
The Government also announced that it will consult on housing rules, with the aim of giving victims a greater say in their relocation and re-establishment of their daily lives.
Removing Local Connection Tests for abuse victims could help them apply for social housing outside of their immediate area, and allow them to escape the community their abuser lives in too.
This follows the passing of the landmark Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which defines domestic abuse in law; strengthens protections for victims; and tackles perpetrators at an earlier stage.
Robert Largan, MP for High Peak, commented:
“Domestic abuse is a horrific crime, and we must do everything we can to help victims recover and restart their lives.
“I am pleased the Government is granting additional financial support to Derbyshire County Council and High Peak Borough Council to help local victims of abuse and their children find new beginnings.
“I am also proud to support Crossroads Derbyshire, a local charity which works tirelessly to support victims of abuse.
“Combined with the revolutionary Domestic Abuse Act, this additional £1,507,288 of Government support will help victims escape their abusers, and ensure that perpetrators feel the full force of the law.”
Minister for Rough Sleeping & Housing, Eddie Hughes MP, commented:
“This funding will give victims of domestic abuse and their children across the country the practical and emotional support they need after they have suffered this terrible crime.
“Through the landmark Domestic Abuse Act, the Government has transformed the response to domestic abuse, helping to prevent offending, and making sure victims are protected and supported.”
Minister for Safeguarding, Rachel Maclean MP, commented:
“Home is not the safe place it should be for domestic abuse victims and their families.
“The extra support provided today will provide a vital lifeline for victims as they try and rebuild their lives positively whilst feeling supported and protected.
“These are important changes that sit alongside the new measures in the Police, Crime, Sentencing & Courts Bill, which will give victims of domestic abuse longer to report offences to the police, so that abusers do not evade justice.”
