THE IMPACT the cost of living crisis is having on victims of domestic abuse across the West Midlands is to be investigated.
The West Midlands victims’ commissioner Nicky Brennan has launched a survey looking at how the crisis is affecting those who are victims of abuse.
The victims’ commissioner’s office said the West Midlands has disproportionate levels of depravation and poverty in comparison to the rest of the country, so it recognises that people in the region are likely to be disproportionately affected by the cost of living crisis.
Ms Brennan said: “I am extremely concerned that the cost of living crisis is having an even deeper impact here in the West Midlands and especially on victims of domestic abuse.
“As part of my role as victims’ commissioner it is vital that we build a picture of the real issues hitting our communities and find ways in which we can tackle them.
“We have launched two surveys – one for victims and one for organisations or support services who work with them.
“We’ll use findings from this survey in our policy, research, fundraising and communications materials. We will also use the findings and take them to government to lobby for more support.
“The data collected in this survey will be completely anonymous and will not be able to be traced back to those that complete it.
“The data collected will be analysed by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner to understand the implications of the cost of living crisis and produce a top-level finding report.”
Nicky added that she will continue to work hard with support services throughout the crisis.
The survey for victims and service providers can be found by visiting the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioners website and searching for Cost of Living Crisis survey.
The deadline for responses is August 25 at midday.
