Hampshire domestic abuse charity "anxious" over new government strategy
A Hampshire domestic abuse charity say they're pleased it's being implemented but are concerned over how it's being funded
A Hampshire domestic abuse charity says they're really pleased to have a new Violence Against Women and Girls strategy but are left anxious on how it'll be funded.
A raft of changes will come as part of their new strategy - with part of it focusing on victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence to get better support through the NHS.
Claire Lambon's the CEO of Stop Domestic Abuse and says she hopes funding will be used to help support women and children.
She said: "We're really pleased that we now finally have a Violence Against Women and Girls strategy, but are very anxious that there's not been a commitment to funding and resourcing it.
"We can't deliver on a strategy without adequate funding.
"Nationally, Women's Aid have been calling for a significant amount of funding to support refuge accommodation, and they say there needs to be a package of around £222 million a year to support and invest in sustained refuge services.
"So we really need a definite funding commitment."
The government announced a £19 million to be invested in safe accommodation earlier this week.
Ms Lambon added: "We hope that when local authorities are in possession of that money that they do use it in the intention that the government has resourced it.
"We want them to use it to support women and children and to provide extra support to help them recover and move on in their lives.
"What we do know is that money isn't ring fenced, so we don't want local authorities to divert it for other means.
"We want to make sure it is actually used to support victims and survivors who need safe accommodation and tailored support."
We've been speaking to two women in a refuge and have changed their names to protect their identities.
Angela's telling us how important it is for there to be a strategy for women facing domestic violence and abuse.
She said: “I would say that it (a strategy) is long overdue.
"I think that this is really important and I think this could change so many people’s lives.
"So many more women and girls will be actually get help.”
Leah told us what refuge has been like for her.
She said: “It’s literally life changing and it feels like home now.
"I didn’t have that before, even though it was my home.
“I feel safe here.
"I can actually go out without looking over my shoulder and when my phone goes off, I’m not overwhelmed with anxiety.
"Had I not come here, then it definitely would’ve without a doubt escalated further.”
The new strategy also focuses on education in schools and educating students on healthy relationships and how to tackle misogyny.
Teachers will be given specialist training to talk to pupils about issues such as consent and children who show harm towards parents, siblings or in relationships will be signed up to behaviour change programmes.
A new helpline will also be set up for teenagers to get help over concerns for their own behaviour in relationships.
Sir Keir said: "Every parent should be able to trust that their daughter is safe at school, online and in her relationships.
"But too often toxic ideas are taking hold early and going unchallenged.
"This Government is stepping in sooner - backing teachers, calling out misogyny, and intervening when warning signs appear - to stop harm before it starts.
"This is about protecting girls and driving forward education and conversation with boys and young men, which is a responsibility we owe to the next generation, and one this Government will deliver."