Domestic abuse groups get £15m for London's 'hidden crisis'

The Met Police recorded 96,768 domestic abuse offences from January to December 2023

The mayor of London has pledged £15m in funding for domestic abuse groups after describing a "hidden crisis".

The Met Police recorded 96,768 domestic abuse offences from January to December 2023, up almost 8% from 89,719 between March 2019 and February 2020.

Projects providing accommodation, outreach services and counselling will be awarded the funding.

Sadiq Khan said the cost-of-living crisis was creating a "perfect storm" for domestic abuse survivors.

City Hall said that while there had been an increase of almost 8% in offences, it could be due to better recording practices from the police and an increase in victims coming forward.

Speaking in Hammersmith, the mayor said domestic abuse was a "hidden crisis that we don't talk about enough".

Mr Khan said he had heard "heart-wrenching and heart-breaking" stories from survivors.

He explained he had heard from people who were still traumatised, some who had got help and others who were rebuilding their lives.

Mr Khan said he had heard "heart-wrenching and heart-breaking" stories from survivors

"So what we do know is that there is light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to being the victim of domestic abuse and domestic violence - with the right support," the mayor continued.

"I worry though that the cost-of-living crisis is exacerbating the pipeline of new victims. Also, I'm afraid, it's leading to more difficulties for those who want to support them, because of finding safe accommodation that's affordable and so forth," he said.

"It's a perfect storm for victims of domestic violence and domestic abuse," Mr Khan added.

The latest wave of investment forms part of the mayor's Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation programme, working with organisations which support vulnerable women, children and men.

It has been funded by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). The mayor's team said the funding included both accommodation and support provision, ensuring it met the definition of "safe accommodation" developed by the DLUHC.

'Horrifying'

The £15m in funding will support existing projects in the capital and enable for 14 initiatives, the mayor's team said.

Rob Blackie, the Liberal Democrats' candidate for the 2 May London mayoral election, described the offence figures as "horrifying".

"And as the cost-of-living crisis rages on, we cannot allow any more victims to feel trapped by financial issues," he continued.

"The Liberal Democrats have long called for sustainable funding to support survivors of domestic abuse, and so we welcome this announcement and will continue working cross-party to ensure that survivors get the support they so deserve," Mr Blackie added.

The Conservatives and Green Party have also been approached for comment.

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