Commissioner Calls for Refuge Funding
13th April 2015
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird has called on the government to do more to protect women’s refuges in the UK.
It comes after charity Women’s Aid released figures from their annual survey revealing that almost 6,337 of 20,736 women looking for help at a refuge were turned away last year.
The lack of funding and resources means many victims are having to go to B&Bs or return to back to their home raising fears there could be more people murdered at the hands of their abusive partner if they have nowhere else to turn.
As funding issues continue to have a national impact, Commissioner Baird is once again joined the growing call for more to be done fund these vital services.
She said: “Refuges are a life saving service providing people with a sanctuary away from life threatening domestic violence.
“Northumbria Police continues to urge victims to come forward and get the help they need to break the cycle of abuse.
“It’s a huge step for anyone to leave an abusive relationship, but if a victim feels they have no safe place to go, they may also feel they have no option but to remain in their own homes and to suffer in silence.
“And the impact is not only on the victim, there may be children involved and the longer they witnesses domestic violence, the more profound effect it will have on their lives.
“It’s vital that a new model of funding is introduced to preserve the national network of specialist refuges and extend the services they offer so all victims have a chance to escape a life of domestic violence.”
People suffering from domestic violence are asked to contact police on 101, extension 69191. In an emergency call 999.
Advice and information can also be found on the Northumbria Police website:
http://www.northumbria.police.uk/advice_and_information/advice_and_support/domestic_abuse/types/
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