Domestic abuse victims and their children offered more support across Surrey and Hampshire
Additional funding's been announced for councils in our area
Councils across Surrey and Hampshire have been allocated over £4.2m to provide support for victims of domestic abuse and their children.
It's part of wider funding announced by the Minister 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.
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.
Safeguarding Minister Victoria Atkins said:
"The Domestic Abuse Bill is a landmark piece of legislation that will transform our response to victims in every region in England and Wales and help bring perpetrators to justice.
"This funding for local authorities will ensure victims of domestic abuse and their children are able to access safe accommodation, a crucial step in supporting them to recover and rebuild their lives.
"This forms a key part of the Bill's aim to empower and protect victims and survivors.
"Throughout the pandemic, the Government has invested millions in ensuring that vital support services remain accessible, and has launched the 'Ask for ANI' codeword scheme which is already helping victims of domestic abuse access much needed support from thousands of pharmacies across the UK."
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'.