Funds pledged to tackle domestic violence and to help mothers find work
Domestic violence organisations will receive a £20 million boost under plans to be set out in Philip Hammond’s first Budget.
Theresa May, who is working to oversee a new Domestic Violence and Abuse Act, said the issue was a “key priority” for Government and of “personal importance” as she announced the funding.
The Prime Minister also revealed a new £5 million fund to help mothers return to work after a long career break.
Mrs May (pictured) told parenting website Mumsnet: “Our work in Government has the potential to completely transform the way we think about and tackle domestic violence and abuse.
“There are currently thousands of people across Britain who are reading this right now and who suffer at the hands of abusers.
“I know they feel isolated and do not know where to turn for help.
“Raising awareness as well as strengthening the law will prove crucial in the fight against this life-shattering and abhorrent crime.”
Additional funding made available in the Budget, which falls on International Women’s Day, will see return to work schemes extended.
“Returnships are open to both men and women but we should acknowledge that, more often than not, it is women who give up their careers to devote themselves to motherhood, only to find the route back into employment closed off, the doors shut to them,” Mrs May told the site.
“This isn’t right, it isn’t fair and it doesn’t make economic sense.
“So I want to see this scheme extended to all levels of management and into industries where women are under-represented.”
Justine Roberts, chief executive of Mumsnet, said women face a “motherhood penalty” after having children.
“Whether £5 million will be enough to tackle the discrimination returning mothers face is moot,” she said.
“What’s crucial is that workplaces embrace flexible working which is what many parents tell us they most need.”
Copyright (c) Press Association Ltd. 2017, All Rights Reserved. Picture (c) John Stillwell / PA Wire.
