Government commits to introduction of statutory duty on councils to support victims of domestic abuse

The Government has confirmed that it will press ahead with the introduction of a new statutory duty on local authorities to deliver support to survivors of domestic abuse.

Ahead of the duty coming into force in 2021, the Government will provide a further £15m in funding to run essential services in 2020 to 2021.

The new duty will be funded from April 2021, subject to future spending review discussions, the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) said.

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “Domestic abuse destroys lives and leaves victims living in fear in the place where they should feel most safe – their homes.

“This duty upon councils will now be brought forward – ensuring survivors get the help they need wherever they are, so they can rebuild their lives away from the threat of abuse.

“This government is determined to pursue abusers, better protect victims and their children, and ensure they have the support they need – so we can end this abhorrent practice for good.”

The MHCLG said the Domestic Abuse Bill would also bring about the first ever statutory government definition of domestic abuse to specifically include economic abuse and controlling and manipulative non-physical abuse.

The Bill will also establish a new Domestic Abuse Commissioner and prohibit the cross-examination of victims by their abusers in the family courts.

Local authorities will be required to develop and publish strategies which set out in detail the range of support services available, including refuge accommodation and specialist support from safety through to independence.

The Government’s response to its consultation, which was published last week (14 October), can be viewed here.

The Domestic Abuse Bill had its second reading on 2 October.