Emergency Aid For Domestic Abuse Victims Urged By Labour

Since the majority of households went into lockdown across the UK last month, there has been a 25 per cent increase in domestic abuse calls, according to Refuge. Now, Labour is demanding action, with plans to provide support to victims of domestic violence during this uncertain time. According to the Guardian, Nick Thomas-Symonds, the new Shadow Home Secretary, has outlined that the government should provide 'an emergency financial package' to such victims.

As his first intervention after being appointed under Keir Starmer's new Labour leadership, Nick wrote to Home Secretary Priti Patel to request these funds. According to the Guardian, the MP for Torfaen in south Wales also specified that 'underused hotel chains and university halls should be transformed into emergency accommodation. '

Before lockdown ensued, experts had warned about the increase in domestic abuse incidents, claiming that social distancing and isolating at home with an abusive partner could lead to more homicides.

The letter, which was first published by the Guardian, reads: 'I am writing to ask you to work with colleagues across government to urgently bring forward a package of emergency bespoke financial support for the organisations who are doing vital frontline work to ensure that they can provide a crucial safety net to some of the most at risk women, children and communities throughout this crisis.

'I would also be happy to discuss how your department, and those across government, can ensure that this additional investment is made available as soon as possible and also in ensuring that organisations operating on the frontline are given the necessary financial flexibility.

'In order to ensure that they can make best use of the available funds it is important they are not unduly burdened by reporting restrictions, whilst of course ensuring we make best use of taxpayers’ money.'

The letter adds that refuge workers should have access to Covid-19 testing kits and protection equipment, and that there should be increased public messaging in supermarkets and pharmacies so that victims can signal urgent police help.

'We are seeing initiatives such as these being coordinated in some areas of the country, but such is the scale of the risk and challenge it is vital that government step in to provide additional leadership in this area.

'Some of the most at risk people in our communities simply cannot afford for these vital services to be undermined at a time when they are needed most.'

READ MORE: There Has Been A 25% Increase In Domestic Abuse Calls Since The Lockdown