Domestic violence victims need specialist help

A domestic violence charity has criticised Government Minister Michael Gove for referring to domestic violence as a ‘life choice’ during a speech he gave on reforms to social care.

Women’s Aid has pointed out that women seek help from social workers to escape domestic violence out of a real fear for their safety, not because of a lack of personal responsibility.

“Two women a week are killed through domestic violence in this country, and all the research we have shows that specialist domestic violence services are the best way to help women escape and rebuild,” said Polly Neate, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid. “Good social workers are able to identify that domestic violence is not a ‘life choice’ that a woman needs to take responsibility for, it is an appalling situation she is trapped in by a perpetrator who manipulates, controls, threatens and harms her.

“We urge Gove to make clear that women experiencing domestic violence have a right to immediate safety and support and ensure social workers are fully trained to identify domestic violence and support women’s access to the services they vitally need,” she added.

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