We know from our work with survivors of domestic abuse that breaking free of an abusive partner can be one of the most dangerous times for them and their children. Abuse can escalate when the relationship is ending, often with a real threat to the lives of those fleeing. However, escaping abuse can be made even more challenging because of an ongoing shortage of funds, caused and exacerbated by the perpetrator as part of the ongoing abuse. Many will be forced to flee with just the clothes on their backs, with no necessities and, often, no access to money.

Many survivors experience financial abuse from perpetrators, leaving them without funds that could quite literally be a lifeline. Instead, they are isolated and dependent on the abuser. And while the increasing cost of living continues to impact so many, this increases at an alarming rate for survivors.

Given the precarious situation that the coming together of these circumstances creates, I am incredibly pleased to see the government committing £2 million to the Flexible Fund, aimed at providing survivors and children with the financial aid they need to flee and gain financial independence from their abusers. I am especially pleased that Women’s Aid is playing such a pivotal role in the fund and its distribution in what is a hugely significant year for us – our 50th since the formation of our sisterhood. 

The Flexible Fund is an evolution of the Emergency Fund that we campaigned for and that was trialled in May last year – the original fund saw £300,000 committed to helping survivors access up to £500 to help them purchase necessities for themselves and their children. Our evaluation of this funding found that the impact on the survivors’ mental health was immeasurable, with some describing the funding as a ‘break in the clouds’ for the difference it has made to them. Additionally, as many as 83.4% of applicants used the funding to flee from their abuser.

We are delighted to say that this year’s Flexible Fund goes a step further – for the first time, in addition to providing survivors with funds to obtain basics (up to £500), the Future stream of the fund gives survivors the opportunity to apply for up to £2,500 in funding, which can be used as a deposit for securing accommodation, to purchase white goods for a new property, a laptop or to help survivors get back to employment. Survivors can access the funds via bank transfer, cash or vouchers, which means that even those without access to their bank accounts can get help. It is also vitally important to note that the funding is available to those with no recourse to public funding (NRPF), a group of survivors who are particularly vulnerable given the difficulties they have when it comes to accessing support services. 

I am sure that there will be those who will say that we need more funding. I can’t argue with that; they are right – more money is needed to counter the prevalence of domestic abuse in our society, as well as the impact it has on vulnerable adults and children. But quite simply, this fund is an enormous breakthrough in addressing the specific needs of survivors and helping them escape torturous abuse in a way that is agile, supportive and responsive to their needs, once and for all. 

Of course, more must be done. We need to educate children and young people on what constitutes a healthy relationship, we need to stamp out misogyny whenever we see it, we need to properly fund specialist domestic abuse services, ensure that survivors can report the crimes against them and be secure in the knowledge that they will be taken seriously. As we continue the difficult road to achieving these aims and building a society where domestic abuse is no longer tolerated, we must also take time to celebrate victories, such as this fund, and the enormous difference it will make to survivors across England and Wales. 

Women’s Aid will always benefit from donations to help women and children get the support they need to escape abuse. You can contribute through their website.

Images: Getty