PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Remote Working: Females (16 March 2020)

Domestic abuse is unacceptable in any situation. We are working closely with the sector, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner and the police to understand the impact of COVID-19 on victims, including as restrictions are eased.

The Home Secretary announced £2 million in funding to ensure that helplines and online services continue to be easily accessible to victims. £1.2 million of this has already been allocated.

This is in addition to the £750 million funding package announced by the Chancellor, £76 million of which will support survivors of?domestic abuse, sexual violence and modern slavery?as well as ensure that vulnerable children and young people continue to get the help they need. From this funding the HO launched a £2m fund for national and regionally based domestic abuse organisations. Following assessment of initial bids, £793,000 of this has been awarded to 13 organisations and the fund has been re-opened.

We have also launched a campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse and signpost victims to the support services available. The campaign, under the hashtag #YouAreNotAlone, aims to reassure those affected by domestic abuse that support services remain available during this difficult time. Details of these services can be found at www.gov.uk/domestic-abuse