The number of domestic abuse-related crimes recorded in England and Wales rose 6 per cent in the year ending March 2021, alongside a 22 per cent rise in calls to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline in England.
Meanwhile, a separate Office for National Statistics’ analysis of the lasting impact of violence against women and girls has found significant impacts such as mental health issues, suicide attempts and homelessness.
The data were released ahead of the 16 Days of Action – a campaign encouraging businesses to take action against domestic abuse, which ends on 10 December.
Cllr Nesil Caliskan, Chair of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: “Councils are determined to help tackle violence against women and girls in our local communities, and work alongside police, the NHS, and charities to make sure we do all we can to protect them.
“With demand having risen throughout the pandemic, the need for comprehensive domestic abuse services, early intervention and prevention schemes, and work with perpetrators to challenge their behaviour could not be more crucial.
“A whole society response, underpinned by a government commitment to long-term funding and support, is needed to give women and girls confidence that there is not just the will but also the power to improve things through cultural change.”
The LGA is calling on the Government to increase and extend its Safety of Women at Night Fund, which was oversubscribed. Ten council projects were awarded funding last month.