Domestic abuse survivors in England and Wales will be able to apply for a one-off payment of up to £500 in a new initiative launched by the Home Office and Women’s Aid from Wednesday.
The ‘flee fund’ will help victims of domestic violence escape a violent partner or help support them so they do not have to return to an abusive relationship.
The £2 million scheme builds on Women’s Aid successful pilot scheme last year, which helped more than 600 vulnerable women find safety.
Women’s Aid CEO Farah Nazeer welcomed the new flee fund along with a future fund of up to £2,500 per individual. However, she said: “What the fund doesn’t do, and what it will never do, is compensate for the gaps that survivors face that make the funds necessary in the first place.”