Thousands more victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, ‘honour’-based abuse, and stalking will gain access to specialist support services following a £19.9 million funding boost announced today by the Safeguarding Minister.
Victims of abuse often struggle to speak out, making helplines a critical first step in their journey to escape abuse, access support, and seek justice. To ensure more survivors receive life-saving assistance, the government is investing £6 million into helplines—an increase of 20% compared to last year.
This funding will support nine helplines across eight charities, including:
- Refuge – National Domestic Abuse Helpline
- Hourglass – Supporting older victims
- SignHealth – Supporting Deaf victims
- Galop – LGBTQ+ abuse support
- The Suzy Lamplugh Trust – Stalking prevention
- Karma Nirvana – ‘Honour’-based abuse support
- Respect – Support for perpetrators seeking change
Children affected by domestic abuse—often the hidden victims—will receive £5.3 million in funding for counselling, classroom-based assistance, and parental support across eight specialist services nationwide.
Additionally, Southall Black Sisters will receive £2.4 million to support migrant victims of abuse who cannot access public funds, ensuring they receive the help they need to escape dangerous situations.
Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls, commented:
“No victim should ever feel abandoned when trying to escape abuse. But the harsh reality is that too many do – especially those from marginalised communities who face significant additional hurdles.
“Last week, I met survivors who felt the system wasn’t built for people like them. I hope this funding will change that. It’s about smashing down barriers and making sure every single person facing abuse has somewhere to turn when they make the brave decision to seek help.”
To help victims secure independent futures, the Women’s Aid Flexible Fund will distribute £2 million to provide direct financial support. Victims can receive:
- Up to £500 for immediate safety needs
- Up to £2,500 for rental deposits to secure long-term accommodation
An additional £2.5 million will fund projects to prevent violence against women and girls, raise awareness, and protect victims at risk.
This announcement follows a £13.1 million investment in a new policing centre dedicated to tackling violence against women and girls, strengthening law enforcement’s ability to target and prevent these crimes.
The government has pledged to halve violence against women and girls within a decade as part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change. Alongside Raneem’s Law, which embeds domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms, this £19.9 million investment ensures that victims seeking help—whether from police or charities—receive a tailored, specialist response.
Image credit: iStock
