On International Women’s Day, Mayor Sadiq Khan announced that his £1 million cost-of-living fund has made a significant impact in supporting women and children across the capital who are
fleeing domestic violence and abuse. The fund, launched last year, has provided essential assistance to 44 specialist support services, enabling nearly 6,000 women and girls to access safety and support.
Many support services have reported increasing concerns about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on vulnerable women and girls. Limited financial resources have made it challenging for them to leave abusive relationships or households, with perpetrators often using financial hardship as a tool of coercive control. Recognizing these challenges, Mayor Khan's fund aims to address the specific needs of survivors and provide them with the necessary resources to rebuild their lives.
Through the funding, organizations have expanded their capacity to support vulnerable individuals, reaching more survivors and addressing the needs of specific communities. Additionally, partnerships with other organizations and local authorities have been strengthened, enabling a more holistic approach to addressing violence against women and girls.
This initiative is part of Mayor Khan's broader strategy to tackle violence against women and girls in London. Since 2016, he has overseen more than £163 million in investments to address this issue, focusing on saving lives, reducing waiting lists, and ensuring vital support services remain accessible during times of crisis. The strategy places a strong emphasis on partnership working, prevention, and education, targeting the behavior of perpetrators and challenging societal norms that perpetuate violence against women.
Furthermore, Mayor Khan has worked closely with London's Night Czar to promote women's safety in public spaces. Over 2,100 venues, organizations, and businesses have signed up to his Women’s Night Safety Charter, committing to creating safer environments and tackling violence against women and girls.
Reflecting on the importance of ending violence against women and girls, Mayor Khan emphasized the need for collective action and urged the government to provide long-term funding for prevention programs. As London strives to become a safer city for all, initiatives like the cost-of-living fund play a crucial role in supporting survivors and preventing future instances of violence and abuse. Photo by Matt Hrkac, Wikimedia commons.