Charity urges more funding for domestic abuse services

A charity for domestic abuse survivors has called for more funding for support services, in the wake of new figures.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) released data recently that showed roughly 4.7 million people in the UK had suffered domestic abuse. This is for the 12-month period up to March 2026 and adds up to 9.6% of the population. In response to those figures, Refuge has called on the government to increase its funding to tackle the problem.

It states that the commitment to cutting domestic abuse rates by half is in jeopardy otherwise. The ONS data shows an annual rise of 7.8% in domestic abuse. This is a concern for Refuge, and the average domestic violence solicitor in North Wales or England will feel the same way.

Much of the increase is being attributed to a spike in the rates of partner abuse. This went up by 7.9% in comparison with the year before. Whatever the cause though, it puts the government a long way from reaching its target.

Alice Russell-Harris works for Refuge as its public affairs lead. Talking to Today’s Family Lawyer, she said:

“Refuge has been clear that this ambitious goal is simply not achievable without sustainable, long-term funding for specialist domestic abuse services, but we have yet to see a financial commitment that matches the scale needed for every survivor to access timely support.”

At Bennett Smith Solicitors, our experienced family law barristers in North Wales approach domestic abuse cases with care and sensitivity. Get in touch today to make an appointment.