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

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.”