Women’s Aid told the Committee that the demands being faced by charities are increasing both in volume and complexity.20 For example, demand for specialist mental health support for survivors has increased following the COVID–19 pandemic, with over 45% of people in refuges now presenting with mental health problems.21 Women’s Aid described the current situation as a “crisis”, and explained that refuges have to refuse 65% of requests for a place and community–based services can only support 50% of people who ask for help.22 Written evidence submitted to the Committee highlighted how external factors such as housing shortages and the increased cost–of–living are exacerbating these demands. It is therefore becoming increasingly difficult to provide victims and survivors with safe accommodation, in turn increasing demands on temporary refuges.23