https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-57984866
COVID-19 has shone a light on problems associated with domestic violence in the home which has displaced women and girls and resulted in homelessness. In fact, in the UK 1 in 5 women experience sexual assault in their lifetime, with newer forms of this crime emerging over the last 10 years.
BCP Conservative lead Drew Mellor has been successful in securing funding as part of a new £3.7 million government pilot scheme to help displaced victims get safe housing in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole along with 11 other areas across the country. Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy is to increase reporting of often hidden crimes, to overhaul the criminal justice response to vulnerable victims and to bring more perpetrators to justice.
By becoming part of this scheme, the BCP Conservatives aim to reduce domestic abuse in our area by offering temporary safe housing to these victims which will protect them and give them the security to reconstruct their lives with help to access more permanent, safe accommodation.
The government said the programme – first announced in this year’s Budget – will focus on supporting women as part of its commitment to tackle violence against women and girls with separate provision being made for male rough sleepers.