From 31st January 2024, survivors of domestic abuse will be able to access a one-off payment of £500 to help them leave their abusers and rebuild new lives.
To access this payment, survivors can apply through supported services, such as frontline services, helplines, and professionals specialising in domestic abuse issues. The £500 one-off payment is designated for essential items such as food, supplies for children, or securing rental accommodation. Additionally, survivors can apply for an additional £2,500 to help secure a stable future.
The Home Office has recently announced the initiative. It is strategically crafted to motivate individuals trapped in abusive relationships, urging them to take the challenging first step towards a brighter future.
Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, Nicole Jacobs, commented on the incentive:
“I hope to see this critical funding reach as many victims and survivors as possible, including those who face the most significant barriers to support.”
The Home Office also funds other projects which are focused on preventing abusers and stalkers from repeatedly victimising and terrorising vulnerable individuals.
Statistics
A 2022 consensus from the Office of National Statistics has revealed the following:
- “The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) estimated that 5.0% of adults (6.9% women and 3.0% men) aged 16 years and over experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2022; this equates to an estimated 2.4 million adults (1.7 million women and 699,000 men).
- Approximately 1 in 5 adults aged 16 years and over (10.4 million) had experienced domestic abuse since the age of 16 years.
- There was no significant change in the prevalence of domestic abuse experienced by adults aged 16 to 59 years in the last year, compared with the year ending March 2020; a year largely unaffected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the last time the data were collected.
- The number of police recorded domestic abuse-related crimes in England and Wales increased by 7.7% compared with the previous year, to 910,980 in the year ending March 2022; this follows increases seen in previous years and may reflect increased reporting by victims.
- The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) domestic abuse-related charging rate in England and Wales increased for the first time in four years to 72.7% in the year ending March 2022 but remains below the year ending March 2018 (75.9%).
- The National Domestic Abuse Helpline delivered 50,791 support sessions through phone calls or live chat in the year ending March 2022, a similar number to the previous year.”
What is classed as domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is a pattern of behaviour in a relationship that is used to gain power and control over a partner. It can take different forms, including, but not limited to:
- Physical violence
- Sexual abuse
- Harassing the victim
- Threatening behaviour
- Emotional abuse
- Coercive and controlling behaviour
It can take place within a variety of relationships, including couples who are married, cohabiting or dating.
What protective measures and support are available to victims of domestic abuse?
Under the Family Law Act 1996, the Court can provide protection to domestic abuse victims where the abuser was associated with them. For example, a partner, parent or other family members, and has a variety of powers, such as:
- Non-molestation orders – which prevent abuse, threats of violence or harassing and pestering and molesting behaviour.
- Occupation orders – these types of orders can exclude someone from the family home or prevent them from coming within a specified distance of it.
The Police can make an arrest if they suspect that these orders have been breached. The person breaching the order will also be guilty of contempt of Court and could potentially go to prison.
Additionally, victims of domestic abuse can also get support from specialist services, such as Women’s Aid and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline.
How we can help
Melanie Bridgen is a leading Partner in our expert Family Law team, advising on domestic abuse, divorce, child arrangements orders, child abduction, parental alienation, care proceedings, adoption placement breakdown, deprivation of liberty and habitual residence jurisdiction.
At Nelsons, we often come into contact with clients who have suffered from domestic violence and have supported them. Our team are experienced in helping victims of domestic abuse and handles all cases with sensitivity and professionalism to protect you from future abuse.
If you need advice or support, please contact us on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.
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