The UK government has pledged to enhance NHS support for victims of domestic and sexual abuse in what is described as the most significant effort to combat violence against women in British history. Wes Streeting announced a commitment of up to £50 million to fund specialized services for child sex abuse victims. These initiatives precede the imminent release of the violence against women and girls (VAWG) strategy.
As part of the plan, a dedicated referral service catering to women and girls impacted by violence will be operational in all regions of England by 2029, aiming to eliminate disparities in support services. Additionally, GP surgery staff will undergo training to identify signs of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Streeting emphasized the need for tangible changes to better assist victims and survivors of abuse.
The government has vowed to mobilize the full resources of the state to address VAWG. Chris Sherwood, CEO of the NSPCC, hailed the commitment as a significant step forward for child victims and survivors of sexual abuse. The initiative has also received praise from Gabrielle Shaw, head of NAPAC, an organization aiding those affected by childhood abuse, for its focus on equal access to care regardless of location.
The strategy includes expanding Child House projects, which coordinate various agencies to deliver trauma-informed care, beyond the current single facility serving north London. Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips declared VAWG a national emergency and outlined the government’s commitment to halving these crimes within a decade, emphasizing the importance of providing comprehensive support for victims and survivors.