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Refuge welcomes Government commitment to treat VAWG as a public health issue

Date:5 OCT 2026

Bo Bottomley, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Refuge, said:

“Refuge welcomes the Health Secretary’s announcements which are an important step towards recognising and responding to violence against women and girls (VAWG) as a public health issue. No single part of the system can tackle VAWG alone and Refuge has long been calling for a joined-up approach to tackling domestic abuse, including healthcare professionals.

Demand for specialist support remains high, and sustainable funding is essential to ensure local services can respond to increased referrals effectively. We welcome the newly announced funding and await further details on how it will be used to strengthen the services that provide lifesaving support to survivors every day.”

The Health Secretary, Yvette Cooper, had announced on 30 September that:

"The government is also strengthening the NHS response to violence against women and girls (VAWG), backed by £49.4 million of funding for integrated care boards (ICBs) over 3 years, as the Secretary of State has today recognised VAWG as a public health epidemic.

Up to £34.4 million over 3 years will support 12 ICBs across England to deliver the first phase of the Steps to Safety referral service, making sure women and girls experiencing violence and abuse can access specialist support through their GP. A further £15 million over 3 years will be invested in victim support services through ICBs across England.

A targeted consultation will be launched with stakeholders on the development of a national framework for a public health approach to VAWG covering prevention, early identification, support and recovery.

A new national clinical lead for VAWG will also be appointed to support a stronger, joined-up health response."

The Health Secretary also announced that the:

"Healthy Babies programme would be expanded to all local authorities, taking a more integrated approach to family support based on the Sure Start principles", and

"that a new adult social care workforce plan is set to be published by the end of the year and will open up more opportunities for jobseekers to start careers in care".

For further information on those, click here.