The event, titled Invest to End Domestic Abuse – Save Lives, Save Money, taking place today, is aimed at supporting Women’s Aid research, Invest to Save. 

The research shows that for every pound invested in domestic abuse services, the public purse will see a saving of at least £9. Women’s Aid is calling on the Government to invest a minimum of £427 million a year to fund specialist women-led and ‘by and for’ domestic abuse services in England, with the goal of building a society in which domestic abuse is no longer tolerated.

Ahead of the General Election 2024, Women’s Aid and their sector colleagues, are calling on all parties to make tackling domestic abuse a national priority. 

Currently, three women a fortnight are killed by a partner or ex-partner, while an estimated 1.7 million women experience domestic abuse. Investing in specialist domestic abuse services could save the public purse £23 billion every year, saving countless lives. 

Speaking following the event Carla Lockhart MP said: 

“I am pleased to show my support for Women’s Aid and the important work that this charity does to support survivors of domestic abuse. It is unfathomable that we live in a society where domestic abuse is so prevalent and must do everything we can do end this terrible crime to ensure that women and children are safe.  Northern Ireland needs to be a safe space for women and children.  It is a sad fact that Women’s Aid NI has in recent times experienced a budget cut despite the continued climb in cases of domestic abuse.  It is important the Secretary of State adequately funds services in Northern Ireland to help survivors of domestic abuse.”