Mayor announces £6m funding for victims of domestic abuse

The Mayor of London has announced £6million of funding to help victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

Sadiq Khan revealed the investment at an event hosted by Lambeth council, in Brixton hill, yesterday afternoon.

The town hall was chosen by the mayor in recognition of the borough’s work to tackle Violence against Women and Girls (VWAG), through community organisations including Refuge, Solace and Asha.

Lambeth council also funds 52 refuge bed spaces – the highest number of commissioned domestic abuse safe accommodation beds in the capital and twice as many as the London average.

Cllr Claire Holland, the leader of Lambeth council, said: “The majority of our offer is culturally specific support in recognition of the evidenced benefit of tailored support for women and their children fleeing abuse.

“There is also specialist community-based support for victims and survivors of all genders and ages who are at risk of gender based violence through our free, confidential and independent service, the Gaia Centre.

“We now look forward to working with the Mayor and his team on a fair and sustainable offer for those fleeing domestic abuse across London.”

Despite growing caseloads, grassroots support groups are struggling to survive due to “years of underfunding” from the previous Conservative government, Sir Sadiq said.

He said: “Domestic abuse refuges and community organisations are a lifeline for so many Londoners in need.

“I’m pleased to be working with partners to fund vital support services for thousands of survivors of domestic abuse and violence who need safe accommodation across our city.”

Pictured top: Cllr Claire Holland,  Sir Sadiq Khan and Cllr Dr. Mahamed Hashi Cabinet Member for Safer Communities (Picture: Lambeth council)