Domestic Abuse: Emergency Accommodation

Baroness Barran Excerpts

Wednesday 26th November 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Levitt (Lab)]

My Lords, I have spent much of my professional life in the fight against violence against women and girls, and I am proud to be part of a Government who have this as a key priority. I pay tribute to the work done by refuges up and down the country. This year we have increased funding for domestic abuse safe accommodation services, such as refuges, by £30 million, and last week we announced that we would maintain funding at least at that level for the next three years, so that is a commitment of at least £480 million over three years.

[Baroness Barran (Con)]

My Lords, I absolutely agree with the Minister that refuges have provided literally life-saving services. Does she agree with me that in 2025, it is not okay any more to expect women to put their lives into a black plastic bag and flee with their children to the other end of the country? That is not the solution. Can she talk about the real solution, which is to work with perpetrators of abuse and prevent this terrible crime once and for all?