Women’s Aid welcomes Labour Party manifesto commitments to survivors of domestic violence

Monday 13th April 2015

Women’s Aid welcomes today’s Labour Party manifesto commitments on supporting survivors of domestic violence and abuse. It is a sign that all political parties are taking this issue more seriously and realising that ending violence against women and girls must be at the centre of social policy – whatever the outcome of the election.

The charity particularly welcomes the promise of stable, central funding for vital, live-saving refuge services, in the wake of its Save Refuges, Save Lives campaign.

Women’s Aid Chief Executive, Polly Neate, said:

“Taken together, the manifesto commitments signal a step forward in tackling domestic violence and abuse. With two women a week being killed by a partner or former partner in England and Wales, progress is urgently needed on this issue. It is a genuine step forward to see political parties taking this seriously – conspicuous by its absence at the last general election.

“Women’s Aid will work with the new government, whoever leads it, to urge a new approach to domestic violence and abuse, based on understanding what women and children need, to achieve lasting recovery and independence.”