LEGAL CHALLENGE to @RobertJenrick's failure to provide emergency funding for adequate accommodation for domestic abuse survivors during the Covid-19 crisis, by @SBSisters and @publiclawcentre, after record numbers of women killed.
Between 23 March and 12 April 2020, the number of recorded killings of women rose from a weekly
average of two deaths per week to an average of five deaths per week, a total of 16 killings within a three-week period.
average of two deaths per week to an average of five deaths per week, a total of 16 killings within a three-week period.
During lockdown, the Metropolitan Police have arrested an average of 100 people a day for domestic abuse-related offences and have received a 30% rise in domestic abuse calls.
The legal challenge notes government’s failure to respond to the increase in risk for domestic abuse survivors during lockdown. Despite its acknowledgment of this risk, it has failed to take immediate measures to ensure access to safe accommodation.
And, while domestic abuse affects women across society, those without the financial means to leave are disproportionately affected, namely working class and black and minority ethnic (BME) women whose services have experienced the most severe cuts.
The proposed legal action comes after the government failed to respond to an offer made by @SBSisters and @compinpolitics along with a number of hotel chains, to provide currently vacant hotel rooms to domestic abuse survivors.
@CommonsHomeAffs rec gov provide ‘secur[e] hotel & hostel accommodation for victims…national coordination is needed to meet the scale & urgency of the challenge..so that anyone needing to leave their home during lockdown because of abuse can be guaranteed a safe place to stay.’
Pragna Patel, @SBSisters director:"The current situation is simply not acceptable. Local refuges are reporting full capacity or not taking any referrals if women cannot claim benefits."
Helen Mowatt, @publiclawcentre: “There has so far been a complete failure by the gov to take necessary steps to ensure
that survivors of abuse have effective access to safe accommodation during the pandemic. This ongoing failure creates a barrier to women fleeing abusive homes.."
that survivors of abuse have effective access to safe accommodation during the pandemic. This ongoing failure creates a barrier to women fleeing abusive homes.."
