In some cases, many people remain in abusive relationships out of fear that they will have nowhere to go. It is often the case that when a person and their children have attempted to seek safety at shelters, they have been turned away due to them being oversubscribed.
However, the Government have now outlined new proposals in an attempt to stop this from happening.
Support services for domestic violence victims
The plans announced by the Government mean that there will be a legal duty for all Local Authorities to consider the scale of domestic violence in their area, together with developing strategies to include providing detailed support services and providing secure accommodation for survivors of domestic abuse and their children.
Prime Minister, Theresa May, has said that the reforms will hopefully end the “postcode lottery” of differing Local Authority responses to this issue across the UK.
It is hoped that whatever situation a person finds themselves in, wherever they live, they will be able to have access to services that will ensure their safety.
The Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government have confirmed a 12-week consultation on the proposals and said the “exact level of funding will be determined with stakeholders”.
The new legal duties outlined are not the only set of reforms being implemented in relation to domestic abuse. Earlier this year, the Government published its draft Domestic Abuse Bill which aims to provide support to victims and their children, and pursuing offenders.
How Nelsons Can Help
If you need any help regarding care proceedings, domestic violence or any other family law matter, please contact Natasha Roberts, who is a specialist family law solicitor at Nelsons, on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.
Natasha will be happy to discuss your circumstances in more detail and give you more information about the services that our Family Law team can provide.