Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) 2025-01-07

07 January 2025 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Alex McIntyre Lab Gloucester

Women & Equalities

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Alex McIntyre raised concerns about domestic abuse (safe leave) 2025-01-07 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Domestic abuse affects approximately 2.1 million people in the UK annually, with women being the primary victims but men accounting for about 750,000 victims.
  • Survivors of domestic abuse often face financial barriers, potentially costing up to 50,000 to leave an abusive relationship.
  • The Bill proposes to provide two weeks of paid safe leave for survivors to seek medical help, find new accommodation, and attend court hearings.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Alex McIntyre Lab Gloucester

Domestic abuse is a national emergency, with approximately 2.1 million people experiencing domestic abuse in the UK annually. Women are predominantly affected, but men constitute about 750,000 victims. The impact of abuse includes physical and mental health issues, as well as long-term trauma. Survivors often face financial barriers to leaving abusive relationships, potentially costing them up to £50,000 to flee an abuser. This Bill aims to provide two weeks of paid safe leave for survivors, supporting them in seeking medical help, finding new accommodation, attending court hearings, and initiating the healing process.

Other contributors (1)
  • Alex McIntyre Lab Gloucester

    Domestic abuse affects millions of people annually, predominantly women. Survivors often face financial barriers to leaving abusive relationships due to costs associated with fleeing an abuser and rebuilding a life. This Bill proposes two weeks of paid safe leave for survivors, enabling them to seek medical help, find new accommodation, attend court hearings, and start healing.

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