Home Office funding for Essex to crackdown on domestic abuse

It follows a successful bid for funding from the county's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner

Author: Adam GoacherPublished 20th Nov 2020

Just over £219,000 is coming to Essex to help crackdown on domestic abuse, following a successful bid for funds from the Home Office by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex.

The money will pay for 200 front line practitioners across Essex to help them address controlling and coercive behaviour within families, specialist training for 40 managers and it will fund 25 Domestic Violence Prevention Programmes.

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “Protecting our most vulnerable people from harm and breaking the cycle of domestic abuse are really important priorities right now. This money will make a huge difference to the service and support we can provide.

“Only by working together can we help people be safe. The Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Partnership is making great progress in helping survivors and educating perpetrators to change their behaviour.”

Councillor Louise McKinlay, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Essex County Council, said: “This funding is good news for Essex and will enable us to help protect more individuals and families from the physical and psychological harm of domestic abuse, both during and after the coronavirus pandemic.”

Essex Police’s Chief Superintendent Andy Mariner said: “We understand it can be difficult for victims of domestic abuse to seek help and this funding will provide even more support for them, as well as support for offenders to help them change their behaviour.

“Every day our specialist officers are protecting vulnerable people and their families and taking robust action against abusers.

“We also work really closely with local authorities, support agencies and other partners to help victims rebuild their lives free of the physical and emotional effects of domestic abuse.

“If you or a loved one are affected by these issues, I’d urge you to please report it or tell someone so we can help you.”