Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what additional support they have provided to women affected by domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A key Government priority is to ensure victims of domestic abuse can get the right support when they need it during the pandemic.

The?Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has allocated £10 million in emergency funding for safe accommodation services.??This fund is supporting 166 organisations to provide bed spaces for those affected by domestic abuse, ensuring that refuges remain open and more victims can access life-saving support during the pandemic. The Department also enabled local authorities to book additional rooms in temporary accommodation through a centralised service, helping more victims access safe accommodation. We have also provided £4.8 billion in additional funding to help local authorities respond to COVID-19 spending pressures, including support for domestic abuse services.

In addition, Home Office are providing £2 million for community-based domestic abuse services impacted by the outbreak and the?Ministry of Justice are providing £25?million?to help victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence in the community access support services during the coronavirus outbreak.