Calls for joined-up response to domestic violence

Women’s Aid is calling for a joined-up response to domestic violence from police, schools, and Government in response to the Home Secretary’s demand that police forces improve the way they deal with abuse.

The charity says the attitudes which foster domestic violence will not be challenged without proper Relationships and Sex Education for all children in the UK. Women’s Aid is also calling on the Government to support women currently experiencing violence by stopping the cuts to specialist services which have left many women with nowhere to go.

Polly Neate, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid said:

“Police response is a vital part of dealing with domestic violence, and it needs to improve. The Home Secretary is correct that more officer training is needed, but without specialist services for survivors to go to, the police are limited in the kind of support they can provide.

“The Government must put a stop to cuts, which took about 30% from support service budgets last year, to enable to police to refer women on to specialist support when necessary. And ultimately if we are to prevent rather than treat the problem of domestic violence everyone in our society needs to be educated about healthy relationships, and that means high-quality healthy relationships education in all schools, for all children.”

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