MEANS TESTING FOR FEMALE VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Early day motion 756, tabled 3 February 2015 by Andy McDonald (Labour). Signed by 38 members.

That this House believes all women suffering domestic violence should have the right to safe accommodation when at risk of harm; notes that employed women are means tested at the point they attempt to access accommodation resulting in some women having to self-fund their time in refuges; further notes that domestic violence often includes financial abuse that prevents some women from having access to money; believes women's immediate safety should be prioritised above their ability to access private funds at a time of personal crisis and serious risk of physical harm; further believes that the Government's call to end violence against women and girls: strategic vision should recognise the risks posed by means testing employed women; and calls for the means testing for eligibility of public funding to include an assessment of the economic impact of abusive and controlling relationships.

Signatures by party: Labour 26, DUP 4, Liberal Democrat 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Conservative 1, Green 1, Independent 1, Respect 1.