A new government scheme was launched from 31st January 2024 to assist victims of domestic abuse in fleeing the perpetrator of the abuse. The Home Office announced a £2 million pot for those who are unable to flee from abuse due to their financial position.
A pilot scheme was completed in 2023 in conjunction with Women’s Aid. This pilot scheme helped over 600 people to escape their abusers and find safety. The success of the pilot scheme encouraged the government to place further funds into this initiative and help as many victims as possible.
During the pilot scheme, 83.4% of those who applied for the funding said the payments would be used to flee an abuser. Some also reported the payments would assist with preventing them from returning to an abusive relationship due to financial struggles. The pilot scheme found that most victims fled with little or no belongings. 77.6% said the money helped them to purchase essential goods such as fresh food for their children. The pilot scheme found that the victims mental health improved greatly after receiving the funding and escaping the abuse.
Victims are able to claim a payment of up to £500 for necessities such as food, toiletries and nappies. There is also the option to claim up to £2500 towards housing costs.
The Independent conducted research previously which found that almost three-quarters of domestic abuse victims said the impact of the cost of living crisis completely prevented them from being able to escape the abuse, or at least made it much more difficult to escape.
The domestic abuse commissioner for England and Wales, Nicole Jacobs, states the scheme will be a lifeline for many and will help many victims rebuild their lives.
The scheme will continue until March 2025.
The funding will be delivered via referrals from a network of local services in England and Wales, including organisations, helplines and caseworkers who have a specialist knowledge of domestic abuse. There are several details below of organisations who could assist if you, or somebody you know, is currently struggling financially to escape an abusive situation.
At Ringrose Law, we can assist with advice in respect of domestic abuse. We are able to apply for protective orders, such as Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders. If you wish to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Ringrose Law 24 Hour helpline: 07739 748 675
Women’s Aid: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support
LDASS: 01522 510041 (option 2) Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Specialist Service (ldass.org.uk)
National Centre for Domestic Violence: 0800 970 2070 or text “NCDV” to 60777
National Domestic Abuse Help Line: 080 2000 247
Lincolnshire Police: 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
Broken Rainbow – LGTB Helpline- 0300 999 5428
Rape Crisis : 0808 500 222