A Somerset MP has warned that survivors of domestic abuse in rural communities face unique dangers and prolonged hardship.
Adam Dance, the Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, raised the issue during a debate at Westminster Hall, calling for urgent improvements to services and government support in areas like Somerset and beyond.
He said limited housing options can force those fleeing abuse to relocate far from support networks and highlighted that poor transport links in rural areas can leave survivors isolated from family, friends and essential services.
Mr Dance also raised concerns about flaws in the Child Maintenance Service, warning that abusive ex-partners can exploit loopholes to avoid payments and continue financial and emotional abuse long after a relationship has ended.
He said: "Survivors of domestic abuse in rural communities face unique challenges that are too often overlooked.
"When someone makes the brave decision to leave an abusive situation, they should not then be cut off from their support network because of a lack of local housing or transport.
"We must also address serious flaws in the Child Maintenance Service.
"It cannot be right that perpetrators are able to manipulate the system to avoid paying what they owe, continuing financial abuse long after a relationship has ended.
"One constituent I spoke to is owed more than £15,000 by her ex-partner and has been left in financial hardship while caring for her disabled children.
"This is simply not right."
During the debate, Mr Dance called for statutory government guidance on child maintenance for domestic abuse survivors and stronger enforcement to prevent perpetrators from using the system as a tool of coercive control.
Mr Dance said: "The government must act to ensure fair payments are enforced and provide the funding rural communities need to properly support survivors.
"As the MP for Yeovil and South Somerset, I will continue to press for changes that ensure victims of domestic abuse are protected and supported every step of the way."
He has since requested a meeting with domestic abuse minister Jess Phillips to discuss ways in which support for rural communities, including Somerset, can be improved as part of ongoing government work on commissioning services.
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