This petition stems from a deeply personal concern for victims of domestic abuse. These people, many of whom share or have shared assets and some have children with their abusers, endure years of financial abuse through ongoing post-separation battles, still haunted by complex post-traumatic stress disorder.

 

Government benefits often serve as a lifeline for these victims and their children, as they struggle to rebuild their lives.

The proposed benefit cuts now threaten this lifeline. If the proposed cuts come into effect, victims of domestic abuse and post separation abuse including their children will become even more vulnerable, likely facing further abuse.

 

This is not just about the financial impact. With a reduced financial safety net, the psychological conditions of these victims are likely to deteriorate, leading to increased physical and mental distress and illness. 

According to the UK Office of National Statistics, financial instability is a significant risk factor for revictimization among domestic abuse victims (ONS, 2019). Alternately, stable housing – which depends on financial stability – is positively associated with improved mental health and reduced revictimization (ONS, 2019). This underscores the critical role of benefits in protecting these victims and their children from further harm.

 

 

 

These victims, while trying to recover from abuse also eduring 24/7 symptoms of complex post traumatic stress disorder will be expected to work safely, when that is not always possible.

 

Many are on significant doses of medication just so they can function to look after their basic needs and their children's. 

 

Many of these victims have endured family court proceedings where they have been denied legal aid, and as a consequence are in significant debt from fighting to protect themselves their children, unable to keep up with legal fees and the cost of living. The children are already living in poverty. Many are not even being paid basic child maintenance due to financial abuse, again adding significant stress and poverty to these victims and their co survivor children. 

 

We implore the government to reconsider these proposed cuts. The welfare and safety of some of our most vulnerable citizens are at stake. Stand with victims of domestic abuse. Stop the continuation of abuse through financial vulnerability.

 

Pleas sign and share this petition now to halt the proposed benefit cuts affecting victims of domestic abuse and all those who are unable to work, due to disability and illness.