Family Solicitors

To mark International Women's Day on Tuesday (08/03/16), the government has announced a new strategy to prevent violence against women and girls.

New funding of £80 million has been committed to the protection of women and girls, as part of a new violence against women and girls (VAWG) strategy to help victims escape from violence sooner.

A new VAWG Service Transformation Fund comes into effect in 2017, which will promote projects leading the way in preventing violence before it happens – including preventing abusive behaviour from becoming entrenched and establishing the best ways to help victims and their families.

The government will work with local areas to deliver a secure future for refuges and other specialist accommodation, as well as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Forced Marriage Units.

As part of the early intervention work to break the cycle of violence, the government will also work with local authorities on changing the attitudes and behaviour of perpetrators, to make sure rehabilitation, mental health interventions and other appropriate perpetrator programmes are in place.

New technologies will be harnessed as part of this strategy – such as body-worn cameras or GPS tracking, which are vital in offering greater protection to victims.

The government is encouraging police forces to use these new technologies and digital policing – and will support forces in introducing new methods.

Minister for Preventing Abuse, Exploitation and Crime Karen Bradley said:

“The government is serious about stopping violence against women and girls and has made it a priority – no one should live in fear of these crimes. That is why we have increased funding to £80 million for the next four years.

“We are determined to stop women and girls from becoming victims in the first place, which means funding services which will provide support and intervene as early as possible to stop the cycle of abuse.

“Through our strategy, we are making preventing violence against women and girls everyone’s business – it is vital government, the police, local authorities and service providers work together to help women get out of dangerous situations early and stop perpetrators from moving from one victim to the next.

Education Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities Nicky Morgan added:

“It is unacceptable for anyone to live in fear of violence.

“As Minister for Women and Equalities, I am determined to see an end to these crimes, so that every woman feels safe, empowered and able to fulfil their full potential.

“It is important that we focus on prevention, which is why we are improving the quality of PSHE in our schools – and raising awareness of abusive behaviour through our campaign on consent, so young people know how to protect themselves and others.”

A new National Statement of Expectations (NSE) will set out for the first time a clear steer from government on what is expected from local councils.

The Department for Communities and Local Government will also fund the provision of refuges and other forms of specialist accommodation for victims of domestic violence.

Duncan Lewis Domestic Violence Solicitors

Duncan Lewis domestic violence solicitors can advise victims of domestic abuse on their rights under the law and how to tackle domestic violence.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and in most major cities.

Duncan Lewis advises on domestic violence under UK law and Islamic law and is a leading provider of Legal Aid services.

Our domestic violence team can advise on spouse abuse, same sex abuse, elder abuse, child-parent abuse, FGM, forced marriage, financial abuse, psychological abuse and abuse between flatmates.

For expert legal advice on domestic abuse, call Duncan Lewis Domestic Violence Solicitors in confidence on 0333 772 0409.