A report into domestic violence services, which threatened more than 100 councils with legal action, was ‘irresponsible and alarmist', says the Local Government Association. The Equalities and Human Rights Commission report, Map of gaps, singled out councils which it says failed ‘to provide specialised services for women who have experienced violence'. But the LGA has hit back, saying the report could discourage women looking for support. LGA spokeswoman on domestic violence, Cllr Ann Lucas, said: ‘This kind of report is irresponsible towards vulnerable women who might be seeking support right now. If the council decides there are enough existing services being provided by other organisations, it won't provide a service just for the sake of it. ‘Threatening legal action against individual councils is not going to help the situation.'
