Charity welcomes government announcement to invest £32m in women’s services

The Anawim – Birmingham’s Centre for Women charity - has welcomed the government’s announcement to invest almost £32m in women’s services.

This is a 50 per cent uplift in the money available for women’s centres like Anawim and specialist women’s services.

The announcement comes as the Women’s Justice Board’s recommendations are published, which include a strong emphasis on diversion from the criminal justice system, recognition of the harm of VAWG and the need for a whole system approach.

The Women’s Justice Board says that every opportunity to refer women into community-based gender specific support should be taken and recognises the importance of caseworker support and a one-stop shop approach.

The report acknowledges the need for statutory underpinning of a whole system approach centred around the provision of gender-specific, trauma-informed, holistic women’s services in the community, using a problem-solving approach.

Anawim CEO Joy Doal (pictured) said: “This is a very encouraging announcement which recognises the specific issues facing women in the criminal justice system; and that to change things Women’s Centres – and other charities – need secure, sustainable funding.

“We know our approach works and can help to tackle the root causes of offending, as well as creating social value for any investment.”

There are many positive aspects to the report alongside the funding announcement.

They include a recommendation to reduce remand and recall and strengthen the housing and social care pathways.

This sits alongside a suggestion that remand decisions should take account of both domestic violence and pregnancy.

They also recommend expanding Intensive Supervision Courts and removing court powers to impose custodial sentences, except in the most exceptional cases.