MP CAROLINE LUCAS: Closing Gay Domestic Violence Helpline Would Be Perverse

<p>Speaking out against the potential closure of the UK's Domestic Violence charity for LGBT people, Broken Rainbow, MP Caroline Lucas said it would be "perverse".</p> <p></p><p> </p><p><img src="http://www.thegayuk.com/communities/8/004/009/928/388/images/4609164173.png" width="460" height="159" alt="" title=""/></p> <p></p><p>Leading Domestic Abuse charity for the LGBT Charity <a href="http://www.thegayuk.com/magazine/4574334751/tags/BrokenRainbow">Broken Rainbow</a> has announced that it could face closure after the Home Office failed to provide evidence that it would fund the charity for another year. </p><p></p><p>The news comes as a raft of other mainline LGBT charities and services face devastating cuts, including <a href="http://www.thegayuk.com/magazine/4574334751/Government-Could-%27Devastate%27-HIV-Prevention-Progress-With-50-Cuts/9165866">Terrence Higgins Trust</a>, <a href="http://www.thegayuk.com/magazine/4574334751/NEWS-Gay-HIV-Charity-GMFA-Faces-Uncertain-Future-After-Funding-Cuts/5412277">GMFA</a> and the London And Lesbian Gay Switchboard.</p><p></p><p>Speaking out about the current funding crisis, Caroline Lucas MP told TheGayUK, "If Broken Rainbow is forced to close its services as a result of Government cuts, it will mean the loss of a unique service which has made a real difference to the lives of tens of thousands of people. To see it close just at the time when its services are under greatest demand would be perverse and counterproductive, putting more people at risk, and undermining the excellent work it has done to date. I urge the Government to think again."</p><p></p><p>Speaking to TheGayUK Wendy Wilde, the Service Delivery Manager for Broken Rainbow said, "For our funding not to be renewed or replaced will result in the helpline being closed down.</p><p></p><p>"We’ve supported over five thousand people this year and if we were to close there are very few other services for them to go to and not one that offers national support in the way we do."</p><p></p><p>A Home Office spokesperson said, “Domestic violence and abuse is an appalling crime that this government is committed to ending.</p><p> </p><p>“The government recognises the important role that the Broken Rainbow helpline plays in supporting LGBT victims of domestic violence and abuse, which is why we have provided the helpline with funding of £120,000 in the last financial year.</p><p> </p><p>“Decisions on ongoing funding for 2015/16 are being carefully considered and will be announced shortly.”</p><p> </p><p></p><p>If you want to know more about Broken Rainbow you can visit their website <a href="http://www.brokenrainbow.org.uk/">www.brokenrainbow.org.uk</a> Broken Rainbow depends on donations and goodwill of its supporters.</p><p></p><p>Donations can be made via their website and even the smallest amount can make a difference to someone whose life is at risk.</p>