Thank you for contacting me about support for victims of domestic abuse.
I know that the Government is committed to ensuring that all victims and survivors of domestic abuse get the support they need. The landmark Domestic Abuse Act, which I was proud to support, will help millions affected by these awful crimes by strengthening the response across all agencies.
I also warmly welcome the Government's Women's Health Strategy and I am glad that organisations supporting victims of domestic abuse were invited to contribute to it. The Women's Health Strategy commits to supporting victims of violence and abuse throughout the healthcare system. It includes a requirement for the healthcare system to take an increased role in prevention, early identification and provision of support for victims. It also commits to robust research into the immediate and long-term physical and mental implications of violence against women and girls, and domestic abuse.
Separately, NHS England is developing local ‘pathfinder’ projects for enhanced trauma-informed mental health support for sexual abuse victims and survivors with the most complex needs. Building on existing provision, these projects will be a collaboration between statutory mental health providers and the voluntary sector to develop tailored, trauma-informed models of care. NHS England has also launched a major campaign to encourage victims and survivors of sexual and domestic abuse to come forward for NHS help and care, backed by a £20 million boost to specialist services. Two new clinical lead roles for domestic violence and sexual assault are also being created.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.