Southall Black Sisters and the Public Interest Law Centre (PILC) have launched a legal challenge against the government. They say this is in response to the failure by ministers to provide funding for accommodation for people fleeing domestic violence during the coronavirus pandemic.
£2 million of funding for domestic violence organisations was announced on 11 April, but Southall Black Sisters and PILC say this has yet to be released to organisations. They also say that the money is inadequate as it is just for online and telephone helplines and support services, with no extra funding for accommodation.
Earlier today a group of MPs called for action on domestic violence following the deaths of 16 women and children since the start of the lockdown. The Domestic Abuse Bill is due to have its second reading in parliament on Tuesday.