asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they are taking to reduce the domestic abuse of women. [HL319]

In March 2005 we developed a national domestic violence delivery plan focusing on five key outcomes:

to reduce the number of domestic violence homicides;

to reduce the prevalence of domestic violence;

to increase the rate at which domestic violence is reported;

to increase the rate of domestic violence offences brought to justice; and

to ensure that victims of domestic violence are adequately protected and supported.

Progress on the delivery of these objectives is monitored by Ministers across Government and progress reports are published annually.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What levels of funding and assistance they will guarantee to charities and voluntary bodies addressing the needs of women who have experienced domestic abuse. [HL321]

This year, the Ministry of Justice has committed £3 million to fund independent domestic violence advisers, with a commitment to provide further funding over the next two years. The majority of the recipients of this funding are from the voluntary and community sector.

Safe housing is integral to victims' recovery from domestic violence. “Support people” funding is available to provide housing related support for victims of domestic violence. In 2005-06, more than £59 million was made available to domestic violence housing services, again predominantly from the third sector.

The Home Office also made £770,000 available in 2007-08 to part fund a range of charities to operate a matrix of helplines providing support and information to victims of domestic violence.