Violence against women and girls remains a “significant and growing problem”, affecting one in 12 women in England and Wales and causing significant physical, mental, social and financial harm to survivors.
So says a new report by the National Audit Office, which also found that Home Office efforts to address the issue have not yet improved outcomes for victims.
Cllr Heather Kidd, Chair of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: “Any instance of violence against women and girls (VAWG) is shocking, saddening and unacceptable.
“It is good that the majority of commitments made in the previous government’s VAWG strategy and domestic abuse plan have been met, but there is still much progress needed in tackling the issue.
“Local government has a key role to play in preventing VAWG and responding to it. Councils work hard to provide the support and safety needed by people who face this threat and want to work with government to improve outcomes for victims and survivors.
“However, long-term funding challenges continue to negatively impact on councils’ ability to provide the essential services that make women and girls feel safe, empowered and confident about their futures.”
Every council has to complete a domestic abuse strategy. Councils provide a wide variety of support for victims and survivors including safe accommodation, specialist support services, and social care.