Extra million to tackle domestic abuse

Dr Brian Gibbons

An extra £1 million will be added to the domestic abuse and violence against women budget next year Minister for Social Justice and Local Government, Dr Brian Gibbons has announced.

Tackling violence against women is at the heart of the new strategic action plan that will be launched later this year. Consultation on the new action plan closed in September and the Assembly Government is now considering all of the responses received.

Dr Gibbons said: “The extra £1 million I have announced today represents a 33% increase on the revenue budget for the current year and will take the total budget for next year to £4.7 million. On top of this, the Assembly Government spends around £10 million a year on refuges and other services to support people fleeing domestic violence.

“I am now carefully considering all the views that were expressed during the consultation and as part of this, will consider how we can best use this additional money.

“However, I recognise that statistical evidence does point to a majority of victims being women and so my priority for the funding will be to support the delivery of specific actions aimed at tackling the violence against women agenda.

“During the consultation period I have met with a number of stakeholders, including the Wales Women’s National Coalition, and have listened carefully to the views expressed.

“I am particularly concerned that additional pressures placed on families as a result of the recession increases the risk of domestic abuse. This budget increase will help us respond to an increased demand for services. “