Policy consultations

Refuge ensures that the voices of the women and children we support are represented in our responses to government consultations. Below is information on the key areas Refuge is currently focusing on, as well as links to additional policy areas. If you would like any further information on this area of Refuge’s work, please contact the communications team.

Three women, one of whom is holding a baby, sitting on a picnic bench.Domestic Abuse Bill

The Domestic Abuse Bill has the potential to be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to radically improve the response to domestic abuse and to challenge the gender inequality and attitudes which make domestic abuse pervasive in our society. Download Refuge’s full response to the consultation or our shorter overview document, outlining key issues the Bill must address.

Refuge funding

The Government has proposed changes to short-term supported accommodation funding, which would completely change how refuges are funded. The proposals are unworkable and inappropriate for refuges. If they go ahead, it is extremely likely that many refuges will close, putting the lives of thousands of women and children at risk. Read Refuge’s full response to the consultation.

An open purse with money falling outWelfare reform

Recent changes to state benefits are having a significant effect on survivors of domestic abuse. Policies such as the benefit cap, two-child benefit limit and a single-monthly payment to one member of a household under Universal Credit are negatively impacting many survivors. Refuge is campaigning for changes to Universal Credit to increase the number of women who have access to income. Read our evidence to the Work and Pensions Select Committee here.

 

Selected policy responses by theme

General Election 2019

2019: Refuge violence against women manifesto

Domestic Abuse Bill

2019: Refuge’s submission to the Domestic Abuse Bill Committee

2018: Refuge’s written evidence to the Home Affairs Committee inquiry into domestic abuse

2018: Refuge’s response to the consultation on Transforming the response to domestic abuse

2018: Refuge’s key priorities for a Domestic Abuse Bill

Criminal justice system

2019: Coercive and Controlling Behaviour Offence Review 2019

2017: Refuge response to Sentencing Council on Intimidatory Offences and Domestic Abuse Guidelines

2016: Refuge position paper on the use of restorative justice in cases of domestic violence

2016: Refuge position paper on the use of perpetrator programmes to address domestic violence

Family justice system

2019: Refuge’s consultation response to Family Court review

2014: Refuge submission to the Justice Committee inquiry into the impact of changes to civil legal aid under the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012

Specialist services for survivors

2019: Refuge’s submission to MHCLG consultation on funding for accommodation-based DA support services

2014: Refuge evidence for APPG on domestic and sexual violence inquiry into ‘The Changing Landscape of Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’

Housing and welfare

2018: Refuge response to the consultation on funding supported housing

2018: Refuge’s written evidence to the Work and Pensions Committee on Universal Credit and domestic abuse

2018: Refuge’s response to the consultation on access to social housing for victims of domestic abuse

2017: Refuge’s response to the London Housing Strategy 2017

2017: Refuge written evidence on the future of supported housing funding for the Work and Pensions Committee

Wider forms of violence against women and girls

2019: Refuge’s submission to the consultation on the Online Harms White Paper

2015: Refuge’s response to Home Office’s consultation on mandatory reporting of FGM to police

If you would like any further information about Refuge’s policy consultation responses, please email press@refuge.org.uk