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<p>We are determined to ensure that victims get the help they need, when they need
it.</p><p>Our Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy is clear that refuges and
other forms of specialist accommodation based services play a vital role in supporting
victims of domestic abuse to move from danger to safety and independence.</p><p>We
have provided £20 million funding to 76 projects in England, creating more than 2,200
bed spaces and giving support to over 19,000 victims. This is in addition to the £13.5
million awarded in 2014/15 and 2015/16 to strengthen refuge and other safe accommodation
provision.</p><p>Local areas are best placed to understand local needs and the Government
has devolved power and responsibility for meeting those needs accordingly, including
to devolved administrations. However, we expect local areas to provide services that
are responsive to the needs of victims fleeing from domestic abuse and make decisions
on the provision of safe accommodation and support to fit the identified needs for
all domestic abuse victims, both those from within and those who flee across local
area boundaries. Our Priorities for Domestic Abuse Services reinforce the expectation
that local areas should plan to support victims of domestic abuse who have moved to
another area to stay safe.</p><p>We are clear in the Violence Against Women and Girls
Strategy that we will review this approach after two years. If we are not reassured
that women are receiving the support they need, then we will consider if moving to
a national model of provision will improve these services for victims.</p>
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