Asked by: Carolyn Harris (Labour - Neath and Swansea East)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Housing, Communities and Local Government, what estimate he has made of the number of refuges for BAME women that have closed in the last twelve months.
Answered by Nigel Adams
Domestic abuse is a life-shattering and absolutely abhorrent crime. Refuges play a valuable role, and for some victims, they will be the best option for them.
My Department does not hold information on the number of refuges for BAME women that have closed within the last twelve months.
We expect local areas to assess their need of services and support for victims of domestic abuse and to provide for that need.
The MHCLG Priorities for Domestic Abuse Services, which sets out what steps local areas should take in their response to domestic abuse, includes the need to consider provision for BAME victims. Our Priorities for Domestic Abuse Services are clear that local areas should respond to the needs of all domestic abuse victims, including those from isolated and/or marginalised communities, such as BAME women.
We encourage all commissioners to work with their local BAME specialist providers and assess properly the needs of all BAME victims.
Asked by: Carolyn Harris (Labour - Neath and Swansea East)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps the Government is taking to prevent the closure of domestic violence refuges.
Answered by Heather Wheeler
Domestic abuse is a life shattering and absolutely abhorrent crime. Tackling it is a key priority for this government.
We have invested £33.5 million since 2014 in safe accommodation, including refuge, and services that support victims of domestic abuse. 80 projects across the country are receiving part of our 2016/18 £20 million fund for safe accommodation and local service reform, which will create more than 2,200 bed spaces and support over 19,000 victims.
We set out our expectations of local areas in supporting victims of domestic abuse in our Priorities for Domestic Abuse services, published in November 2016. We are also undertaking a thorough review of funding for refuge in England, including the critical care and support costs, and will conclude by Summer 2018. The review will be informed by an audit of all local authority commissioned domestic abuse services, to report in spring.
We are exploring all options for future delivery of domestic abuse services in England, including a national model for refuges. We are committed to working closely with sector partners, drawing on their expertise and knowledge, as we undertake our review.
Asked by: Carolyn Harris (Labour - Neath and Swansea East)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps the Government is taking to prevent the closure of domestic violence refuges.
Answered by Heather Wheeler
Domestic abuse is a life shattering and absolutely abhorrent crime. Tackling it is a key priority for this government.
We have invested £33.5 million since 2014 in safe accommodation, including refuge, and services that support victims of domestic abuse. 80 projects across the country are receiving part of our 2016/18 £20 million fund for safe accommodation and local service reform, which will create more than 2,200 bed spaces and support over 19,000 victims.
We set out our expectations of local areas in supporting victims of domestic abuse in our Priorities for Domestic Abuse services, published in November 2016. We are also undertaking a thorough review of funding for refuge in England, including the critical care and support costs, and will conclude by Summer 2018. The review will be informed by an audit of all local authority commissioned domestic abuse services, to report in spring.
We are exploring all options for future delivery of domestic abuse services in England, including a national model for refuges. We are committed to working closely with sector partners, drawing on their expertise and knowledge, as we undertake our review.
Asked by: Carolyn Harris (Labour - Neath and Swansea East)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, if he will make an assessment of the implications for government departments of the findings of the report entitled Mapping the Maze: services for women experiencing multiple disadvantage in England and Wales, published by Agenda and Against Violence and Abuse in September 2017.
Answered by Marcus Jones
We recognise victims of domestic violence have complex needs arising from long-term trauma or abuse, resulting in multiple disadvantages. We are fully committed to ensuring that no victim of domestic abuse is turned away from the support they need or are at risk of homelessness.
Since 2014, we have provided £33.5 million in funding for refuges, safe accommodation and other services for victims of domestic abuse and their children. For example, we are funding 80 projects across the country to provide safe accommodation and support services to victims of domestic abuse through our 2016-2018 £20 million domestic abuse fund, of which over 30 projects are focusing on improving access to support for women experiencing multiple disadvantages.
At Autmn Budget 2017, we also announced £28 million of funding to pilot the Housing First approach for the individuals with complex needs who are homeless, which could include victims of domestic abuse.
In addition, we have established a cross-Government Complex Needs Group, to develop a shared approach to support for vulnerable victims of domestic abuse with complex needs.
Asked by: Carolyn Harris (Labour - Neath and Swansea East)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, whether he plans to make an assessment of the provision of homeless accommodation specifically designed for women experiencing multi-disadvantages such as domestic violence and mental illness.
Answered by Marcus Jones
We recognise that the needs of female rough sleepers can be different from male rough sleepers, and that many have complex needs arising from long-term trauma or abuse, including domestic violence. We are fully committed to ensuring that no victim of domestic abuse is turned away from the support they need. This commitment was made clear in the Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy (VAWG), published on 8 March 2016.
The Government’s VAWG strategy will set in motion a transformation of existing support for victims and their families through a landmark Domestic Abuse Bill. The Bill will recognise the life-long impact domestic abuse has on women and children and make sure agencies effectively respond to domestic abuse. We are determined to use this opportunity to build momentum and drive further reform in a way that will make a real and lasting difference to victims.
We expect local authorities to commission services to meet the needs of all those in their local areas. Many commission female-only homelessness projects, which offer women the essential facilities and support needed to stop being homeless, in a safe space. For example, Westminster Council commissions the Marylebone Project, which provides female-only shelter, emotional support and educational opportunities.
Central government is taking action through our Homelessness Prevention Programme that will provide end-to-end support for people who face a homelessness crisis. This is supporting 84 projects, involving 205 district and unitary authorities. A number of successful bids are targeting female rough sleepers in their area.