Women’s lives are at risk as ministers reject £1million bid for Women’s Aid, warns survivor Mel B
WOMEN’S lives are at risk because Ministers are refusing to stump up for an emergency domestic abuse fund, campaigners including ex-Spice Girl Mel B have warned.
The Home Office has rejected a £1million bid from Women’s Aid to help victims leave abusive partners.
It would have given vulnerable women the money needed to get out of the house while they secure long-term refuge.
But despite a six-month push the charity says its campaign has been blocked by the government – and now fears victims will die as a result.
Mel B – a domestic abuse survivor and Women’s Aid patron – said she was “close to tears” their efforts had been rejected.
She said: “In my marriage, despite having a successful career, I had no access to my own money and bank accounts – this financial control is part of domestic abuse.
“Just a few hundred pounds each could save lives, and I am devastated for what this will mean for some of the most vulnerable women and children, who are not safe staying at home but don’t have any access to money to be able to leave.”
Women’s Aid chief executive Farah Nazeer said she was “shocked and devastated”.
She blasted: “Without this fund in place, there will inevitably be women and children killed this year because lack of money stopped them from making the decision to leave.”
The organisation said the funding would give cash-strapped women grappling with the cost of living a £500 sum to help them find help.
And that £1million is a drop in the ocean for the Home Office’s multi-billion budget – but could save lives.
Damning stats show three women are killed by a current or former partner every fortnight.
Ms Nazeer added: “The difference that £500 to a woman trying to leave an abuser with her children could be the difference between life and death, as leaving with nothing in your pocket for food, the bus, or basic items for you and your children is utterly terrifying.”