Local MP Maria Miller has welcomed the Government’s decision to give Basingstoke and Deane £35,154 to provide vital support services for domestic abuse victims, helping victims recover and rebuild their lives.
Commenting, Maria said: “Domestic abuse is a horrific crime, and we must do everything we can to help victims recover and rebuild their lives, so I really welcome this additional Government funding to help local victims of abuse and their children start again – with better services such as healthcare, social workers and benefits."
The Government is providing £125 million to councils across England to make sure that safe accommodation spaces, such as refuges and shelters, can provide victims with vital support services including healthcare, social workers and benefits.
Interpreters, immigration advice, drug or alcohol support and other specialist services will also be funded and made available so that anyone who flees their home gets the help they need.
The funding Basingstoke and Deane will receive from the Government will help them to to increase the support they can offer domestic abuse victims, whilst allowing them to choose how the funding is spent to match local priorities and benefit those in need.
The Government also announced that it will consult on current housing rules, with the aim of giving victims more choice on where they rebuild their lives. By removing Local Connection Tests for abuse victims, this could help victims apply to social housing outside their local area, escaping the community their abuser lives in.
