Domestic Abuse Charities Warn of Service Cuts Over Funding Shortfall

Charities say funding cuts and national insurance hikes threaten vital support for survivors, jeopardizing government's violence reduction goals.

Five leading domestic abuse and women's charities have written to the Prime Minister, warning that funding cuts and increased employer national insurance contributions will severely impact their ability to provide essential services.
The organizations, including Rape Crisis England and Wales and Women's Aid, state that one-third of rape crisis centers expect to issue redundancy notices, with 30% at risk of closure by the end of the financial year.
The charities argue these financial pressures could undermine the government's pledge to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) over the next decade, as VAWG-related crimes now account for 20% of all police-recorded crime.
The letter highlights that the national insurance hike alone will cost the sector millions, forcing charities to cut services, reduce staff, and close waiting lists, leaving survivors without critical support.
Charity leaders are urging the government to reverse the planned cuts, increase funding to cover rising costs, and meet to discuss securing long-term financial stability for victim support services.