Domestic violence funding cut 'puts lives at risk'

The head of a charity that helps women flee domestic violence says she fears "lives could be lost" if government funding is cut.

Peterborough Women's Aid runs The Dahlia Project, which supports those from the South Asian community escaping violent relationships.

It has been told its government grant will not be renewed, and CEO Mandy Geraghty said that "potentially it could lead to domestic homicides".

It comes after the case of Harshita Brella, from Corby, in neighbouring Northamptonshire, whose body was found after concerns were raised and whose husband is being sought by police.

The Home Office-funded Dahlia Project started in July 2023, helping women suffering from domestic violence, including some from arranged marriages.

It followed research at Anglia Ruskin University that found organisations such as the police were not always culturally equipped to help, and many women felt alone.

Sandy (not her real name) is one of the women the project has helped to safety.

She came to the UK to study for her master's degree but realised she needed help for the sake of her children. She said her husband made her fear for her life.

"Once, he tried to strangle me. Endlessly, he hit me, hit my head against a brick wall, I don't know how many times."

Dharshana Sridhar, director of The Dahlia Project, said some women like Sandy did not have recourse to public funds and feared they might lose their visas if they spoke out.

"If you imagine someone coming here, new to the country, and they don't speak the language, they don't know help is available to them or how to go to the police," said Dr Sridhar.

The government said it had set out on an "unprecedented mission" to halve violence against women and girls in a decade by "improving the policing and the criminal justice system, relentlessly pursuing dangerous perpetrators and providing support for victims".

In September, it announced plans to embed domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms nationwide, starting in early 2025, as part of "Raneem's Law".

Mandy Geraghty, chief executive officer of Peterborough Woman's Aid, said she would like to see The Dahlia Project rolled out nationwide, adding that although Harshita Brella was not local, a case like hers was "the whole reason" the project was started.

"There is evidence there's a need but with the funding being stopped we'll have to downsize," she said.

"I truly believe that lives could be lost if the government doesn't invest in 'by and for' projects like the Dhalia."

Jess Phillips, the minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, said: "Halving violence against women and girls is our absolute priority.

"There are certain cases where we have chosen not to renew some grants. In these cases we will reinvest the budget in future schemes, in order to best deliver this critical mission."

Det Supt Sherrie Nash, from Cambridgeshire Constabulary, said the force had been working to "upskill officers around cultural competence".

She added: "We recognise the immense bravery it takes for any survivor to report to the police.... We are always seeking ways to improve our responses.

"We remain resolutely committed to tackling domestic abuse and encourage any victim to contact us, where they will be fully supported."

After receiving help from the project, Sandy said she felt like a "totally different person".

"I didn't think I deserved to be happy or have love and respect. But now I know whatever happens, we are going to be happy."

Details of support for domestic abuse are available at BBC Action Line.

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