Millions to be invested in targeting stalkers and domestic abusers
Funding's been announced to protect people from stalking and domestic abuse
Last updated 11th May 2023
Police forces across England and Wales have been allocated £39m in funding for projects aimed at protecting people from domestic abuse and stalking.
The money will be invested into 50 projects, which will be rolled out over the next two years, supporting initiatives to stop abusers from repeatedly targeting victims and terrorising vulnerable people.
It's as research shows many domestic abusers are repeat offenders, with 83% of male offenders repeating their crimes within a six-month period.
It makes intervening to stop their behaviour pattern vital to protecting victims.
"Vile crimes..."
Safeguarding Minister, Sarah Dines said: “Domestic abuse and stalking are vile crimes which cause victims to feel terror in their own homes and communities, where they should feel their safest.
“It is unacceptable and this government is determined to protect people from this horrific abuse.
“We know that intervention schemes like these are a crucial means of protecting victims, which is why we are investing millions in helping police identify abusive behaviour and stop it from escalating or happening again.”
As part of the announcement, statutory guidance on Clare's Law has also been issued, making it quicker for an individual to access information on a partner's or ex-partner's previous abusive or violent offending.
National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Domestic Abuse, Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe, said: “The funding by the Home Office will help to bring more support to victims of the terrible crimes committed by domestic abusers.
“Policing continues to work with partners, stakeholders and other agencies to help support victims and bring offenders to justice, but we cannot do this alone.
"Funding is vital to enable this to happen and we welcome this round. We will always work together with the Home Office to ensure this funding continues to increase, so victims get the support the deserve.”
The funding builds on Government measures to tackle domestic abuse announced back in February.
Where is the funding going?
Avon and Somerset - £1,230,500
Cheshire - £2,920,500
Derbyshire - £1,389,150
Essex - £1,687,170
Gloucestershire - £762,033
Greater Manchester - £1,959,000
Gwent - £1,163,116
Hampshire - £1,011,761
Hertfordshire - £2,000,000
Humberside - £988,259
Kent - £1,638,597
Lancashire - £870,000
Leicestershire - £741,942
Merseyside - £813,261
MOPAC - £5,192,870
Norfolk - £625,000
Northumbria - £1,04,915
Nottinghamshire - £656,248
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough - £786,138
South Yorkshire - £659,069
Suffolk - £652,014
Surrey - £1,989,613
Sussex - £1,348,183
Thames Valley - £2,809,737
Warwickshire - £600,000
West Mercia - £1,222,398
West Midlands - £2,799,100
Help is available
If you’re affected by issues raised in this article, there is help available from your local domestic abuse service at www.womensaid.org.uk.
· The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247 (run by Refuge)
· The Men’s Advice Line, for male domestic abuse survivors is 0808 801 0327 (run by Respect)
· The National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0800 999 5428 (run by Galop)
If you are in immediate danger always call 999.