HELP FOR REFUGE CHILDREN

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 18th Jul 2003

In response to questions from Jenny Tonge, MP for Richmond Park, the new Children's Minister Margaret Hodge has pledged to ensure resources are "earmarked" for children who are victims of domestic violence and living in refuges.

In Questions to Ministers from the Department of Health and the Home Office on Domestic Violence, Dr Tonge pointed out that the best laid plans and protocols often fall down because of a shortage of social workers and other professionals and that resources were not made available for children who are victims of domestic violence.

Dr Tonge said: "I am delighted that the new Minister for Children accepts that much more needs to be done and here in Richmond where one of the first refuges for women and children was set up by Erin Pizzey, we shall be watching her closely to see that changes occur."