25 signatures reached
To: UK Government
Emergency funding for local domestic abuse support services
Calling upon the Government to support local services trying to tackle the increase in domestic violence, harassment and abuse since the start of the pandemic through targeted emergency funding.
Why is this important?
In line with the lockdown restrictions we have all been getting to know our homes a lot better, for some this has been a blessing but for many a curse.
14 women and 2 children lost their lives three weeks into lockdown, the charity Refuge had reported a 120% increase in helpline calls portraying the severity of the knock-on effect of the pandemic. The lockdown is not the direct cause of this upsurge of domestic violence but has contributed to a rise of tension within households, stemming from increased responsibility for childcare, economic struggles and reduced sociability outside of the household which can expose pre-existing abusive behaviours.
Our homes are the primary barrier for individuals leaving an abusive relationship, therefore during this time we are relying on virtual support services which are vital, but they are under-supported.
Although these services are saving lives, as they have done for decades, they have suffered economically long before COVID-19 and many are at breaking point, particularly women's centres supporting BAME communities.
People's lives will be at an even greater risk without these domestic violence associations, many are facing risks of closure due to the lack of support from the government, emergency funding can save lives and violence can be prevented before it happens.
Many associations are worried the Government funding will not reach smaller, local services. Our Government leaders and local councils need to disperse funding fairly across the charities that are working tirelessly to support our communities because no one is safe until we are all safe.
