An urgent new £4m investment to support women and girls impacted by violence access the support they need, during the cost of living crisis, has been announced by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, today.

Farah Nazeer, chief executive of Women’s Aid said:

“Economic abuse and domestic abuse go hand in hand. Almost three quarters (73%) of women sharing housing and finances with their abusers have told us that the increased cost of living has either prevented them from leaving or made it harder for them to leave an abusive home.

“Women’s Aid has been calling for a ‘Help to Flee’ fund to help women and children leave unsafe environments. While more funding and support are needed, the Mayor of London’s investment is a step in the right direction, and a signal to survivors everywhere that they are seen.

“Nobody should feel forgotten or like their life is worth less – society cannot afford to leave these families behind. We look forward to continuing our work with decision makers to ensure financial hardship doesn’t risk women’s lives.”