Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps the Government has taken to help ensure that deaf and disabled victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence can access refuge services and helplines during the covid-19 outbreak.

We are aware that victims of domestic abuse may feel particularly vulnerable at this time, especially deaf and disabled victims.

Existing sources of advice and support will continue to be available to victims. In addition to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, which also has an online chat function, the Home Office provides specific funding to specialist support services including through Victim Support to support disabled victims, and to Sign Health, who support deaf victims.

We are continuing to work closely with the domestic abuse sector to understand the needs of victims, during self-isolation and social distancing, and how these can best be supported.