Written question asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Hanham (Conservative) on Tuesday, 10 May 2011.

Domestic Violence: Refuges

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that local authorities co-ordinate the provision of refuge places for victims of domestic violence.

Answer: Decisions on the provision of accommodation for victims of domestic abuse are a local matter and it is the responsibility of the individual local authority to identify any gaps in service provision and put in place appropriate solutions to address this. We would expect local authorities to build services based on the needs of their communities, taking account of locally available data sources. There is a range of support for victims of domestic violence. Some victims will be accommodated in refuges, but sanctuary schemes and mainstream local authority accommodation may be an option for others, while some victims will pursue independent solutions with help and advice from support schemes as necessary. I also refer the noble Lord to my Answer of 16 December 2010 (Official Report, col. WA 238) outlining the Government's funding for Supporting People and for new rape crisis centres.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 8716; 727 c185-6WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Women: Refuges
Thursday, 16 December 2010
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Cooperation Domestic abuse Local government Refuges
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk