Victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence across Cumbria will benefit from a share of £4.7 million in new government funding to make it easier to access specialist support through their local GP practice.
Cumberland’s three Labour MPs, Josh MacAlister, Julie Minns and Markus Campbell-Savours, have joined Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner David Allen in welcoming the investment, part of the Labour Government’s new Steps to Safety programme.
The North East and North Cumbria NHS Integrated Care Board has been selected as one of just 12 areas across England to benefit from the first phase of the scheme, receiving £4,684,560 over the next three years.
Steps to Safety will establish a new NHS referral service through GP practices, helping people experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence get the support they need.
Under the programme, GP practice staff will be trained to recognise the signs of abuse and respond appropriately. Specialist support workers will work across groups of GP practices, helping staff identify victims and connecting patients directly with local domestic abuse and sexual violence support services.
The initiative recognises that many victims of abuse already visit their GP, but may not feel able to disclose what is happening to them or know where to turn for help.
It forms part of the government’s commitment to halve violence against women and girls within a decade, taking a public health approach that puts prevention, early intervention and support for victims at its heart.
Nationally, around 3.8 million people aged 16 and over experienced domestic abuse in England and Wales in the year to March 2025.
Josh MacAlister, Labour MP for Whitehaven and Workington, said:
“Domestic abuse destroys lives and causes lasting harm to victims, children and families. Too often, people suffer in silence, unsure where to turn or how to get help.
“For many people, their GP is someone they already know and trust. This investment means that a visit to the doctor could become the first step towards escaping abuse and rebuilding their life.
“I’m really pleased Cumbria is among the first areas to benefit from this important new programme. We are determined to tackle violence against women and girls and make sure victims get the protection and support they deserve.”
Julie Minns, Labour MP for Carlisle, said:
“Nobody should have to live in fear in their own home, yet we know that domestic abuse affects far too many women and families in our communities.
“One of the biggest challenges is helping victims come forward and making sure support is there when they do. By giving GPs the training and specialist connections they need, we can help reach people who might otherwise remain trapped in abusive situations.
“This is a really welcome investment in services that could make a life-changing difference to people in Carlisle and across Cumbria.”
Markus Campbell-Savours, Labour MP for Penrith and Solway, said:
“Domestic abuse can happen anywhere, including in our rural communities, where isolation, distance from services and a lack of transport can make seeking help even more difficult.
“Making specialist support available through local GP practices is an important way of breaking down those barriers and ensuring more victims can get help close to home.
“I’m delighted that Cumbria will be part of the first phase of this programme, bringing health services and specialist organisations together to protect people experiencing abuse.”
David Allen, Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said:
“Tackling domestic abuse and violence against women and girls is a priority for me as Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, and this funding is a welcome step forward.
“Policing has a vital role to play in protecting victims and bringing perpetrators to justice, but we cannot tackle domestic abuse through enforcement alone. We need to identify abuse earlier, give victims the confidence to seek help and ensure the right support is available when they need it.
“By strengthening the links between GPs and specialist support services, this programme will help us take a more joined-up approach to protecting vulnerable people and preventing further harm.”
The £4.7 million allocation to the North East and North Cumbria NHS area includes £856,446 in 2026/27, £1.9 million in 2027/28 and £1.93 million in 2028/29.
Across England, the first phase of Steps to Safety is backed by £34.4 million over three years, alongside a further £15 million for victim support services through NHS Integrated Care Boards.
The government’s ambition is to establish a dedicated referral service in every part of England by 2029.