Two domestic violence charities have highlighted that local public sector commissioners of services for domestic violence victims are facing a more difficult decision making process because of financial cutbacks.

According to Women’s Aid and Imkaan, wrong decisions in this field can cost lives, and they have therefore released a free guide, designed to support public sector staff responsible for commissioning these services for women.

The guide contains clear information on commissioners’ legal duties around domestic violence, the type of services victims and survivors need, and how to measure service quality through the tender process.

"If we are to truly address violence against women and girls, we need to make sure that survivors have access to effective, appropriate services, and that prevention is a core part of everything that we do,” explained Marai Larasi, Director of Imkaan.

“In a time of such great economic difficulties and increasing concern about the impact of austerity measures on the most vulnerable individuals and groups in our society, it is even more important that we get the commissioning of vital frontline women’s services right,” she added.

Contact our specialist family lawyers and therapists

If you have a family dispute that needs resolving, we are here to help and look forward to your call. Please contact us on 01483 826 470 or complete our online enquiry form to the right of this page.