Domestic Abuse: ‘Shift In Gender Focus Could Cost Lives’
Durham Women Rising believe plans to change the focus from women victims of domestic violence could mean more cuts to support services.
Durham Women Rising believe plans to change the focus from women victims of domestic violence could mean more cuts to support services.
The charity is petitioning against new priorities set by Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg.
The PCC states that domestic abuse is “not a gender specific crime and male victims should not be overlooked”.
There’s a change in the crime plan for 2015-17 saying they want to ‘reduce the incidence and impact of domestic abuse in all its forms.’
It used to be ‘reduce the impact of domestic abuse, particularly violence against women and girls’.
Durham Women Rising told us in over 90% of cases it's men who have committed the offence against women.
They are worried this change could mean more cuts to refuges.
It’s after refuge funding in County Durham and Darlington has been cut by 60% in the past two years.
Tricia Lowther, Campaigner for Durham Women Rising wants more funds to be made available for women’s refuges and service providers. She said:
“Lives are lost because of lack of funding so we are really worried that there’s going to be more cuts and those women who are already disproportionately affected by cuts in the North East will be even more severely affected.”
“We just want people to sign the petition and to let Ron Hogg know that we don’t want these changes because the previous priority was absolutely fine.”
A spokesperson from Police and Crime Commissioner’s office said:
“Tackling domestic abuse has been, and continues to be, one of the PCC's top priorities. Alongside this, the PCC is implementing the first ever regional Violence Against Women and Girls strategy. The PCC will consider the concerns of Durham Women Rising alongside other responses to the consultation”
To view the petition click here.