To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what steps the Government have taken to support women and children who are subject to domestic violence in the last two years. (250058)

Independent domestic violence advisers provide invaluable support to victims of domestic violence and their families. Evidence shows that incidents of victimisation decrease and victims are less likely to withdraw from cases. This is why we have provided over £6 million this financial year to support the extension of Advisors and Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences across England and Wales. Also, in 2006-07, local authorities spent over £61 million of their funding allocated through the Supporting People programme on housing-related support services for women at risk of domestic violence. Further, last financial year we provided funding to local authorities worth £47.2 million through the Homelessness Strategy and Support Directorate's grant programmes a proportion of which can be used to develop outreach and other innovative models, such as the sanctuary scheme.