ADCS response to the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Bill

Jenny Coles, ADCS Vice President, said:

“We welcome proposals to improve vital support for victims of domestic abuse and their families, however, too many of the measures outlined in the Domestic Abuse Bill are reactive rather than preventative. Further enhancements to the Bill will be necessary if we are to turn the tide on this endemic problem - we are committed to working with government and others to this end.

“Upwards of two million men and women experience domestic abuse each year and it remains the most common reason children and families come to the attention of children’s social care. The Bill seeks to increase the reporting of this issue yet the necessary support services for victims, their families and perpetrators are lacking or entirely absent. Similarly, the funding package on offer does not reflect the scale, reach and severity of this issue given recent research puts the annual social and economic costs of domestic abuse at £66 billion. It’s the ultimate invest to save case – preventing domestic abuse in the first place will save money but, crucially, it will save lives. Women’s refuges are amongst the many vital services that have been affected by austerity, it’s important that any new duty on local authorities to provide accommodation is fully funded by government if it is to have the desired impact.”

ENDS

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