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Domestic Violence

Volume 464: debated on Thursday 11 October 2007

24. To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what assessment she has made of the support available to victims of domestic violence; and if she will make a statement. (156864)

We have transformed the support available for the victims of domestic violence, which often has far-reaching effects not only for themselves but also their families, particularly children.

This includes £3 million to fund independent domestic violence advisers with a commitment to ongoing funding for services, £2 million to fund the local delivery of support services for victims and their children and £59 million for housing-related support through the Supporting People Programme.

However, as this is an abhorrent crime which can never be justified, we have undertaken the biggest overhaul in legislation in 30 years to protect victims and stamp it out. The Government are determined to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their action which is why we have increasing the number of Specialist Domestic Violence Courts from 25 to 64.