Legal News

The Chancellor’s Spring Budget 2017 has set out plans to increase funding to help protect victims of domestic violence.

Chancellor Philip Hammond announced to Parliament that the government would provide an additional £20 million over this Parliament to support organisations working to combat the causes of domestic violence whilst also supporting organisations who help the victims.

Mr Hammond said that the additional funding would build on the government’s commitment to bring forward a Domestic Violence and Abuse Act.

The additional £20m funding also increases the total funding for implementing the government’s Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy to £100 million over the course of this Parliament.

Domestic violence charity Refuge has welcomed the £20m extra funding for victims of domestic abuse. Chief executive of Refuge, Sandra Horley CBE, said:

“Refuge welcomes the news revealed by Prime Minister Theresa May ahead of this afternoon’s budget that £20 million will be made available to address domestic violence and abuse. Theresa May has been a champion for victims of domestic violence for many years, first as Home Secretary and now as Prime Minister – on International Women’s Day, it is fantastic to see once again her commitment to tackling a horrendous crime that kills two women every single week."

“Over the last few years, specialist domestic violence services across the country have experienced severe funding cuts – in some local authority areas, refuges have been totally lost. Today’s announcement shows the government is listening to what the women and children Refuge supports really need. Refuge hopes that the government will develop a sustainable funding strategy for refuge provision – only then will women and children be able to access the safety and support they deserve."

“As the country’s largest provider of specialist domestic violence services, Refuge looks forward to working with the government to ensure all its plans to support survivors of abuse – including the proposed Domestic Violence and Abuse Act – have the needs of women and children front and centre.”

Duncan Lewis Family Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Domestic Violence Solicitors can advise victims of domestic abuse on how to tackle the issues within the law, including advising on controlling or coercive behaviour, domestic abuse between partners or spouses or same sex partners, child-parent domestic abuse, elder abuse, domestic abuse between friends or flatmates, and financial abuse.

Duncan Lewis is also able to advise on FGM, forced marriage, honour crimes and dowry disputes – and advises on family law under the laws of England and Wales and Islamic law.

For expert legal advice on tackling domestic abuse, call Duncan Lewis domestic violence solicitors in confidence on 0333 772 0409.

For urgent legal help with a domestic violence matter, call the Duncan Lewis Solicitors 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607, where a family lawyer is available 24/7.