Rotherham MP calls for more support for abuse victims

SARAH Champion used her first speech as a frontbench MP to highlight the impact of cuts on victims of abuse.

The Rotherham member and new shadow minister for preventing abuse and domestic violence called for more support.

During Home Office questions on Monday (12), she said: “Reports of domestic and sexual violence are increasing across the country.

“However, in an attempt to the deal with the relentless Government cuts, local authorities and the police are stopping specialist abuse support to victims in favour of generic services, or no services at all.

“Will the minister commit to making sure that everyone, regardless of gender, sexuality or ethnicity, feels safe and supported in their home?”

Home Office minister Karen Bradley replied: “We are refreshing our violence against women and girls strategy.

“Part of that is looking at commissioning to make sure that those specialist services do get the funding they need.”