PENDLE MP Andrew Stephenson has welcomed a new £10 million fund to support women’s refuges across England.

The new fund is allocated for local housing authorities to help strengthen refuge services and to provide more effective national coverage to keep domestic abuse victims safe.

The Government is making up to £10m available over the next two years up to 2016, to increase provisions available for refuges.

Latest figures published by the Crown Prosecution Service highlighted that convictions for domestic violence were at their highest ever level, with three quarters of cases reaching a successful outcome.

Secretary of State for Community and Local Government, Eric Pickles MP said: “With victims of domestic violence making an average 32 attempts to leave before they make their final escape, councils must do everything in their power to ensure there is nothing to prevent a woman from taking the vital steps to safety.”

Mr Stephenson said: “Domestic violence against women is one of the most pressing issues we face today. This funding is a step in the right direction to supporting our sisters, mothers and daughters and is a huge contribution to eliminating violence against women and girls.

“We must act to provide an environment where victims can seek support. Women and girls should be aware that there are resources available to them. locally.

“In Pendle, we have the Pendle Domestic Violence Initiative Helpline on 01282 726000, which supports women, men and children.

“We also have and the Pendle Women’s Refuge and the Samaritan Helpline.”, all there to provide help and support.”