Government Funding for the Domestic Abuse Bill

 


The Government has announced plans to provide £6 million in funding to aid councils in their preparation for the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Bill.

The Bill is planned to come into force in April 2021 once it passes its second reading in the House of Lords. Once introduced the 2020 Domestic Abuse Bill aims to:

·         • Raise awareness and understanding about the devastating impact of domestic abuse on victims and their families.

·      • Further improve the effectiveness of the justice system in providing protection for victims of domestic abuse and bringing perpetrators to justice.

·        • Strengthen the support for victims of abuse by statutory agencies.

Upon successful passage of the bill, local authorities in England will be responsible for providing victims of domestic abuse and their children with safe accommodation and support. 

It is estimated this will improve the lives of thousands of people, after research found up to 800,000 children live in homes where domestic abuse occurs, with the risk of lasting emotional damage to them.During the pandemic many refuges have struggled to cope with the increased volume of women looking for safe shelter with, Women's Aid reporting that there has been a 42% reduction in the number of refuge vacancies available. 

Whilst the Domestic Abuse Bill is welcomed, many fear the £6 million in government funding will not be sufficient, pointing out that those who do this work tend to be legal aid practitioners and, in terms of funding, the justice system has faced significant cuts.

For more information visit : Family Law North London


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