The BBC reports on Sheffield Women's Aid, a refuge that has supported domestic abuse victims for more than 50 years, as Attorney General Ellie Reeves visited to announce £5m in extra funding and measures aimed at improving how the justice system treats survivors. Two women, Michaela and Charmian Owston, shared their experiences of years of psychological, physical and sexual abuse, describing the refuge as both their lowest point and the starting point for rebuilding their lives. The visit highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen support and prosecution outcomes for domestic abuse survivors.

Michaela described how her partner gradually stripped away her independence over seven years before she arrived at the refuge with only "a black bag", while Charmian recounted being controlled, surveilled and eventually found in crisis in York before spending 15 months at the centre; both now support other survivors. Reeves cited the domestic abuse conviction rate in England and Wales of 74.7%, according to the Office for National Statistics, and outlined a new pilot offering victims a pre-trial meeting and a dedicated liaison officer, alongside Yorkshire and Humberside becoming one of the first regions to let rape and serious sexual offence victims request an independent review before charges are dropped.