You are in > manchester.com  > News > £1 million in higher funding to combat domestic violence

Politics

£1 million in higher funding to combat domestic violence

08/03/2008

The government has announced increased funding as part of efforts to curb domestic and sexual violence.

The measures, which come on International Women's Day, include higher funding of up to £1 million for counselling facilities for abuse victims and the work of specialist sexual violence advisers across the country

Speaking about the plan, home secretary Jacqui Smith said the new measures would add to the tackling violence action plan announced last month which promised a crackdown on knife crime.

Ms Smith said: "Improving the support available to the courageous victims of these devastating crimes is crucial in encouraging people to come forward.

"The success and expansion of the specialist domestic violence courts system alongside the money I have announced today will ensure that we continue to bring more perpetrators to justice and improve the support and safety of victims."

Attorney general Baroness Scotland praised the performance and facilities available at specialist courts, which are designed to avoid victims and offenders from coming into contact and have special fast-track procedures to reduce the threat of further violence.

She said: "Domestic violence is brutal and it can be devastating for victims in so many different ways.

"It is difficult to underestimate the bravery involved when a victim comes forward. By providing specialist training for prosecutors and better support systems for victims we are seeing a tangible difference in performance."

The government's top lawyer added: "Perpetrators must be brought to justice, and when they are our specialist prosecutors and support services will be there to assist victims every step of the way."

Ms Smith has said that efforts to help immigrants who suffered from violence were also underway. At the moment, foreigners are not eligible for public funds and the government hopes to introduce a scheme whereby the housing and living costs of those who were allowed to stay in the country would be covered by the taxpayer.