Today the Chancellor of the Exchequer presented her Spending Review, setting out the Government’s plans for investment over the next few years.

Responding to the Spending Review, CEO of Surviving Economic Abuse, Sam Smethers said: “A year ago, the Government announced its goal to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) in ten years. But to achieve this, they must put economic abuse at the heart of the strategy, and it must be properly funded. It was so disappointing to have no mention of this in the Chancellor’s statement.

“Investment in criminal justice interventions alone will not halve VAWG in a decade. Economic abusers trap victim-survivors by controlling their money and resources, making it difficult for them to flee and rebuild their lives. To achieve its goal, the Government must take a whole-system approach, ensuring survivors have the support they need to escape safely and rebuild their lives.

“In May, we welcomed the £20 million funding boost, but we hoped it was just the start. The Government’s future spending must prioritise tackling VAWG, including economic abuse, so that survivors are supported and abusers are stopped in their tracks.”

ENDS

For further information or to arrange an interview with a spokesperson, please contact the Surviving Economic Abuse press office on [email protected] / 07786 073249