Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with groups supporting victims of domestic violence in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During this unprecedented time we have had regular and frequent discussions with domestic abuse organisations, the Domestic Abuse and Victims’ Commissioners, law enforcement and other Government Departments to monitor and assess the impact of COVID-19 on victims of domestic abuse.

We are aware that domestic abuse helplines have reported significant increases in calls during lockdown, some of which may be due to increased awareness or enquiries from friends or families. The police have also reported an increase in reported domestic abuse incidents based on provisional data (a 6% increase in the four weeks up to 5 July compared to the same period last year). What is critical is that victims are able to reach out for advice or support if they need to do so.

That is why the Government has ensured the availability of information on domestic abuse and sources of advice and support including through the #YouAreNotAlone campaign, and provided funding to ensure that vital support services continue to be available.

In May, the Government announced £76 million of the £750 million package of support for charities would go towards groups supporting survivors of?domestic abuse, sexual violence and modern slavery?as well as to ensure that vulnerable children and young people continue to get the help they need.

In addition, the Home Office has provided £1.2 million of funding to domestic abuse organisations to help bolster helplines and on line services to ensure that these remain available to victims.