Home secretary Theresa May has pledged £10 million of funding to help victims of domestic violence, it was announced yesterday (25).
The decision was made on the back of the London Domestic Abuse summit held in Chiswick in the summer, which was organised by Ms May, and local MP Mary Macleod who was delighted to hear aid would be given to women's refuges.
The news came on the same day as Hounslow councillors gave their support to the White Ribbon campaign and the UN International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Ms May said: “Domestic violence is an appalling crime and the Government is doing everything it can do stamp it out.
"New Domestic Violence Protection Orders can now be used by police to protect victims, and there is legislation banning forced marriage.
"I am immensely proud of UK leadership on these issues and I want to thank Mary for making an excellent contribution to strengthening our efforts in London and beyond.”
Ms Macleod,added: “I am delighted with the announcement of £10 million extra funding to support victims of domestic violence.
"It is so important that there is a safe home for them to go to and this funding will really help to expand the much needed provision.
"This funding follows the London Domestic Abuse Summit which we held in Chiswick with the Home Secretary, the Metropolitan Police and Refuge.
"Given the world’s first ‘safe house’ for women and children escaping domestic violence was opened in Chiswick in 1971, it was appropriate for the summit to be here.
"I want London to speak out loudly against domestic abuse and have a zero tolerance approach to domestic violence. There is still much to do to change attitudes, so that abuse in relationships is seen as unacceptable and not to be tolerated.”
The MP has previously asked for domestic violence to be a priority on the policing agenda across London.
