Our thanks to Jeff for this. The start of the piece:

Hundreds of domestic abuse survivors will receive cash payments of £2,500 each to help them flee their tormentors, under a new initiative. The £2m scheme, which launches this month, is described as a “lifeline” for women who can’t flee – or are forced to return to – abusive relationships because they cannot afford essentials. A successful pilot of the scheme last year, saw 600 victims given £250 or £500. A review found 80% of applicants used it to flee to a safe location, as well as buy food, clothing, nappies and security cameras. The new scheme funded by the Home Office and delivered by Women’s Aid charities, will see these “flee funds” rolled out across England and Wales, and offers an additional £2,500 payment to pay for a rental deposit or bills.

Later in the piece:

The safeguarding minister, Laura Farris, told Sky News: “No government has done this before. Of course, we’re going to have to see how it works and it may be that we need to increase funding.”

No shit, Sherlock. £2,000,000 more for Women’s Aid (funding may “need to increase”) and the usual £0.00 (no “need to increase”) for the few charities supporting male victims of domestic abuse.

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