“Local government stands ready to work with government and healthcare providers to help ensure that anyone affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence gets the support they need.
Responding to the announcement from the Department of Health and Social Care on better support through the NHS for victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence across England, ahead of the launch of the Government’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy, Cllr Matt Boughton, Chair of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities committee, said:
“Councils are committed to tackling violence against women and girls, domestic abuse and sexual violence. Alongside key partners, including the NHS and local healthcare providers, they play a key role in providing the essential services that individuals affected by this issue rely on for support.
“However, financial pressures have impacted councils’ ability to provide VAWG services, which are underfunded and financially unsustainable. It is therefore positive to see a plan which should ensure that the NHS provides dedicated referral services for women and girls affected across the whole of England.
“Local government stands ready to work with government and healthcare providers to help ensure that anyone affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence gets the support they need, but councils need a long-term and stable financial approach, alongside improved coordination and greater local flexibility around commissioning, to be able to deliver this fully.
“We look forward to seeing more detail as set out in the Government’s upcoming Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy.”
Ends