Hestia and UK Says No More respond to national domestic abuse ‘flee fund’

The Home Office has announced that from 31 January 2024, victims of domestic abuse who do not have the financial means to leave their abusers will be able to apply for a one-off payment of up to £500 for essential items to help them and their children flee to safety.

For the first time, victims can also apply for a further one-off payment of up to £2,500 to help secure a sustainable independent future, such as putting down a deposit for rental accommodation. This aims to help them move forward with their lives and prevent homelessness or pressure to return to abusers because of financial strain.

Patrick Ryan, Chief Executive of Hestia, commented:
“Additional financial support for families fleeing domestic abuse is welcomed. We know from our work with TSB and others that flee funds can make a huge difference at a time when people often struggle to afford basics such as food. We have seen that the women and children supported through our refuges and community outreach services are sometimes forced to flee with nothing but the clothes on their backs, so providing follow-up funding is essential to help them get back on their feet and start to build a new future for themselves.”