£1.2m to help support victims of domestic abuse and their children in Cornwall
The money will go towards life-saving support
Cornwall is getting £1.2million to help support domestic abuse victims and their children.
The government funding will help victims and their children access life-saving support including advocacy, counselling and therapy in safe locations such as refuges or specialist safe accommodation, where victims and their children can go to get away from their abusers.
Cornwall Council will receive £1.2million while the Council of the Isles of Scilly has secured £63,000.
Councils across England will receive £125million in total, including £11.2million for the South West.
Under a new duty, councils will be required to provide support to domestic abuse victims and their children within safe accommodation services, where needs have been identified.
It will come into force later this year with the passage of the landmark Domestic Abuse Bill, with funding announced in advance so local authorities know how much they will receive for these vital services and can begin to plan.
“Domestic abuse is a terrible crime and I am pleased to see the government releasing more funding to support those people who are victims of it.
“Along with the funding for victim support services announced last week and the continuing call for evidence the government has put out to gather evidence on how better to stop these crimes and help those affected by them, it is good to see these issues being dealt with.
“I look forward to seeing this money drawn down to Cornwall and used to help those who need it most.”
Truro and Falmouth MP, Cherilyn Mackrory
This funding is part of a wider package of support for victims of rape and domestic abuse, with a £40million funding boost for victim support services announced on 1st February 2021.
£76million was also pledged in May 2020 to ensure vital services including refuges, helplines and counselling remain accessible throughout the pandemic.
In January 2021 the government also launched the ‘Ask for ANI’ codeword scheme, which provides victims of domestic abuse access to immediate help from the police or other support services from their local pharmacy.
“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 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 homes.”
Eddie Hughes, Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing