Support for domestic abuse victims in Berkshire & Hampshire

Additional funding's been announced for councils in the region

Author: Jonathan RichardsPublished 13th Feb 2021
Last updated 13th Feb 2021

Councils across Berkshire and Hampshire have been allocated £3.9m to provide support for victims of domestic abuse and their children.

It's part of wider funding announced by the Ministry for Rough Sleeping and Housing, with £125m being shared out nationally.

The money is to be used to help ensure victims and their children have access to life-saving support when they need it, such as: therapy, advocacy, counselling, all in safe accommodation including refuges.

The money will fund a new duty on councils to ensure victims and their children are able to access life-saving support in safe accommodation - a key part of the Government's landmark Domestic Abuse Bill.

The duty will come into effect later this year, subject to the Domestic Abuse Bill becoming law.

The Government says its taken action to help the most vulnerable in society during the pandemic, with an unprecedented £76m pledged in may to ensure vital services including refuges, helplines and counselling remain accessible.

How the money is allocated in this region:

Hampshire £2.3m

Reading £341,986

West Berkshire £250,101

Wokingham £247,346

Bracknell Forest £203,767

Windsor & Maidenhead £240,380

Slough £340,781

Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing, Eddie Hughes, said:

"Domestic abuse is a heinous crime which threatens the lives of victims in their own homes where they should feel safe.

"So, it's right that we're giving victims support in safe accommodation and providing East of England councils with money to deliver essential services that will help them and their children rebuild their lives.

"This is part of a long term strategy to provide broader support for domestic abuse victims both in safe accommodation like refuges, and in their own homes."

The funding has been allocated following consultation and is in addition to £6 million given last year to help councils prepare for the duty.

The 'Ask for ANI' scheme was launched by the Government last month.

Anyone in need of support can go into a pharmacy, including all Boots stores which have signed up, and 'ask for ANI', which stands for 'Assistance Needed Immediately'.

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