Mayor calls on Government to act on cost of living as impact on domestic abuse revealed

31st August 2022

Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire is renewing her call on the Government to urgently address the cost-of-living crisis.

Research from Women’s Aid has revealed the shocking impact on those suffering domestic abuse. Of the victims that took part, 96% said that the cost-of-living crisis is making their abuse worse, and 73% stated the crisis had prevented them from leaving an abusive home.

The current issues are compounded by Government cuts to domestic abuse refuge provision over the last 10 years.

Tracy said: “It’s truly heart-breaking to think of someone trapped in abuse, feeling unable to leave because of a situation the Government has the power to change.

“The fact we’re being told to wait for a new Prime Minister for any substantial solution is nonsensical. They wait, while victims and survivors face abuse daily, while businesses shut, and people worry about how they are going to stay warm this winter.

“The Government needs to get an immediate grip on this issue before it spirals any further. Their own Tackling Domestic Abuse Plan has the objective to help all victims and survivors who have escaped from domestic abuse feel that they can get back to life as normal. Well that clearly isn’t happening while this crisis is allowed to run unchecked.

“It’s not good enough, we need action now.

“Here in West Yorkshire I am doing everything I can along with our key partners to protect our communities. We have a fantastic array of services to help victims and survivors and I would always urge anyone facing abuse to report it to the police.”