Domestic abuse survivors handed lifeline with Government flee fund

Victims can apply for grants to help rebuild their lives

Author: Aaron HarperPublished 9th Jan 2024

Survivors of domestic abuse will be given cash to help them escape abusive relationships, thanks to a new fund from the Government.

A £2 million pot was announced by the home office today (Tuesday 9th January) with funds available to allow victims to rebuild their lives.

From the end of the month, those fleeing the family home will be able to apply for a one-off payment of £500 to help them and their children reach safety.

A further grant of £2,500 can also be applied for to secure a sustainable and independent future by putting down a deposit on a home to rent, reducing homelessness across the country and giving victims a chance to begin moving forward with their lives.

Claire Marshall from Wiltshire-based charity FearFree told Greatest Hits Radio that it's extremely positive news:

"Taking the step (to leave the family home), can be a very dangerous step. It's a big step at any time, but in the middle of an economic crisis, it's a huge issue.

"Being able to make a meaningful escape and have an initial amount of money to be able to flee, is really important."

A network of front line services specialising in understanding domestic abuse will deliver the funds through referrals. The fund will be in place until March 2025, and builds on a successful pilot last year which helped over 600 victims to safety with the help of Women's Aid.

'This must become the standard'

Claire told us charities like FearFree regularly see people fleeing abusive relationships with nothing.

"We are constantly having to give clients food vouchers. taxis or transport to get to safe accommodation, clothing or normal day-to-day things that people need for them and their families just to be able to exist."

She feels that the fund must become the norm beyond 2025.

"I think it's about making this to be standard and that it's part of a support package," she said, adding that the allocation process needs to be 'speedy' as it all takes a lot of planning.

"There's obviously nervousness around the person's safety and the safety of their family, so making it as simple as possible as well.

"But giving charities that reassurance and assurance that funding and this kind of package is available on an ongoing basis, not just on a temporary basis, would be absolutely fantastic."

Minister for Victims and Safeguarding, Laura Farris, said:

“Women leave abusive partners at what is often the lowest point in their lives. The most common issues - kids, lack of money and confidence, fear of reprisal - keep so many victims locked into dangerous and harmful situations for far too long.

“I am proud this fund has helped over 600 people to escape their abusers and find safety and hope this additional £2 million will help hundreds more find peace and rebuild their lives. I am also proud of, and grateful to, Women's Aid, for the extraordinary service they provide to some of the most desperate women in society.

“The money complements the action this Government has taken to protect victims - including our landmark Domestic Abuse Act which significantly expanded the definition of the offence, created more robust protections and tougher sentences.”

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.