Call for consultation: Domestic Abuse
Published 09/07/2019
The government is currently consulting on introducing a duty for local authorities to provide support that meets the needs of victims of domestic abuse and their families, to ensure appropriate provision of support. This follows on from the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Bill, and the refresh of the Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy in March 2019.
The consultation proposes a number of new duties for local authorities to support victims of domestic abuse, including the development of Local Domestic Abuse Partnership Boards.
For the first time ever, councils across the country will be legally required to provide vital life-saving support in secure accommodation for survivors of domestic abuse and their children – ensuring need in their local area is met.While many local authorities are already providing tailored support to those fleeing violent relationships, more needs to be done to end the variation across the country in support and ensure a consistent approach across the country so all families are able to recover and overcome their experiences.
Local authorities will also be required to work together with neighbouring councils to ensure domestic abuse services reflects the needs of local people – including targeted, specialist support for BAME, LGBT and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller survivors.
The consultation is currently open and closes on 2 August 2019. Members can participate by:
- filling in the online survey
- emailing [email protected]
- writing to Domestic Abuse Team, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 3rd Floor, Fry Building, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF
