The Government has announced funding of £10 million to help support refuges across the country and boost provision for vulnerable victims of domestic violence and their families.

This funding will be shared between 148 councils over the next two years to support refuges in their area.

The funding will both keep refuges open, and improve standards in existing refuges, maintaining a strong national network offering support to women at risk.

According to the Government, a victim of domestic violence will attempt to flee the perpetrator an average 50 times before they are successful.

The £10 million fund will ensure councils offer more than bricks and mortar – support at the refuges will also include counselling and support for both adult and child victims, advice on healthy relationships, and help with training and employment to help maximise their stability and independence.

“We warmly welcome the news that specialist domestic violence refuges in 148 local areas will receive additional funding,” commented Polly Neate, Chief Executive at Women’s Aid. "Women and their children across the country will benefit from this, and know that there is a safe space for them if they need it.”

“We are pleased the Government listened to our SOS campaign and saved these services,” she added. “It is essential this money is spent properly on specialist refuges, and we will be monitoring how the fund is being spent to ensure this happens.”

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