Specialist domestic abuse support services are critical
For people experiencing domestic abuse, getting the right help can be life-changing and lifesaving. We hear frequently from survivors that the support from specialist domestic abuse services is the reason they are alive today.
Our research shows:
- Fewer than half of survivors accessed the support they wanted in the community.
- 35% said accessing help was easy or straightforward.
- People experiencing domestic abuse are left to navigate complex systems alone.
Domestic abuse services are at risk due to funding gaps
Funding for specialist domestic abuse services is inconsistent, short-term and falls far short of what is needed to deliver the life-changing support they offer. Many services operate on short-term funding cycles, leaving them at constant risk of closure and unable to plan for the long term.
For some survivors, the lack of funding for domestic abuse support in their area has meant they or their children have been unable to get the support they need. This puts them at serious risk of harm.
What the Domestic Abuse Commissioner is calling for
By having specialist support in place, and the right funding to deliver it, we can prevent and tackle domestic abuse and help those who have experienced it to recover and rebuild.
The Commissioner is calling for:
- Consistent and long-term funding for local domestic abuse services, allowing specialist services to deliver a stable range of services and retain expertise within them.
- The government’s review of how services are defined and commissioned by local areas to recognise the vital role specialist domestic abuse services plays in supporting public services like health and policing.
- Dedicated funding for by and for services, recognising their vital role in supporting marginalised survivors to access appropriate help and support.
- Government departments to work more closely together to ensure that cross-government funding is reaching specialist services with maximum impact.
Find out more
Learn more about the Commissioner’s work on specialist domestic abuse service provision.