Relief at LGBT charity's 11th hour reprieve

SARAH Champion told of her huge relief at funding being found to save the country’s only LGBT domestic violence charity.

Broken Rainbow had faced closure but the Government has confirmed another 12 months’ funding for its helpline.

Home Office minister Lord Michael Bates said: “Broken Rainbow plays an important role in supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender victims of domestic abuse.”

Rotherham MP Ms Champion, the shadow minister for domestic violence, said: “It is a huge relief that Broken Rainbow has secured Government funding at the 11th hour.

“It would have been a travesty, not to mention a huge safety risk, if this charity was forced to close its doors.

“However, it has only received one year funding which doesn’t give long term stability.”

She added: “Specialist domestic violence organisations do incredible work in challenging circumstances across the country. However, in the last five years more than 30 have closed due to lack of funding.

“Rotherham-based Apna Haq faced imminent closure, as do many of the countries black and minority ethnic domestic violence charities.

“The Government need to act swiftly so that all people in the UK have provision to services appropriate to their need.”