Cornwall gets £50k to help boost support for victims of domestic abuse

The money is part of a £700,000 funding cash pot across the South West

Author: Sarah YeomanPublished 6th Oct 2020

£50,000 is being given to Cornwall Council to help boost support for victims of domestic abuse.

The money is part of a £700,000 funding cash pot across the South West.

The government says it is to help local councils prepare for the introduction of landmark legislation that will ensure domestic abuse victims and their families get the vital help they need.

Thousands more people are expected to be helped from April 2021 when the new law comes into force placing a duty on councils to support victims of domestic abuse.

The new funding will mean councils can commission additional vital support for those victims of domestic abuse and their children who might currently be turned away from refuges and other safe accommodation because their needs cannot be met.

The Domestic Abuse Bill, which is currently before Parliament, includes a new duty  for councils  to  assess  and  provide  support and safe accommodation to victims and their children in England.

“It is entirely right that councils will now have a legal duty to support victims of domestic abuse and I am pleased to see the government come forward with funding to assist them in preparing for these changes.

“Anything that makes it easier for people to break the cycle of abuse, move on and rebuild their lives is welcomed and as a former councillor I am sure that Cornwall Council will be able to quickly use this funding where it is most needed.

“I look forward to working with them and the many worthy organisations locally that help people in this situation to ensure this funding is used wisely.”

Truro and Falmouth MP, Cherilyn Mackrory

“Survivors of domestic abuse need safe refuge in order to escape this heinous crime and support to start to rebuild their lives.

“Councils already provide much-needed support, but the landmark Domestic Abuse Bill will mean for the first time councils will have a duty to provide support in safe accommodation for anyone fleeing abuse.

“The funding I am announcing today will help councils prepare for this new duty that will see thousands more survivors helped and a generation of their children able to grow up safely and free from fear of abuse.”

Kelly Tolhurst, the Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing