Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they have taken to prevent domestic violence associated with drugs and alcohol use in homes with children.

We know that there is a correlation between domestic abuse and substance misuse, but domestic abuse is not caused by substance misuse.

This government is determined to safeguard victims by disrupting the behaviour of perpetrators through perpetrator interventions. The Home Office is investing £74.5 million (until March 2029) for the Domestic Abuse and Stalking Perpetrator Intervention Fund.

Perpetrators’ misuse of drugs and alcohol must be addressed to ensure domestic abuse interventions are efficient. This government continues to invest in local treatment and recovery systems with over £3.4 billion ringfenced through the Public Health Grant to help ensure that those with drugs and alcohol problem can access support. Through this investment and partnership working across health, criminal justice, safeguarding, and domestic abuse services, we are supporting individuals and families to reduce harm, support recovery, and improve outcomes for children and families.

In England, the Families First Partnership programme is rolling out reforms to family help, child protection and family group decision making to keep children safe. The programme is backed by £2.4 billion over three years. These reforms will help rebalance the system of support away from crisis intervention and towards earlier help, ensuring children and families, including those experiencing domestic abuse and/or substance misuse, are able to access the right support at the right time.