Cornwall's crime boss welcomes £19 million budget boost for domestic abuse victims
People are being reminded that they can still flee and ask for help during lockdown
Cornwall and Devon's crime boss has welcomed the extra funding to support domestic abuse victims that was announced in the Budget.
Our Police and Crime Commissioner is reminding people that they can 'still flee during lockdown'.
It comes after the Chancellor announced £19m of additional funding will be made available to help victims.
Services for people who have experienced domestic abuse have reported soaring demand during coronavirus lockdown which has often trapped those affected by the crime with perpetrators.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said that £15m will be made available for schemes which attempt to stop perpetrators of domestic abuse from harming their victims while an extra £4m will help homeless women who have suffered from domestic abuse get specialist help in respite rooms.
At the start of the first lockdown, Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez, commissioned for additional services for victims of crime in the Devon and Cornwall Police force area.
These included a 24-hour Victim Support live webchat service and a helpline for teachers who were dealing with childhood trauma caused by domestic abuse.
"Domestic abuse can take many forms and the trauma and distress is causes cannot be underestimated.
"As commissioner of victims’ services in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly those men, women and children affected by it have been at the forefront of my mind throughout the pandemic.
"I hope this additional funding reassures them that there the funding and services are in place to help perpetrators and victims. We just need them to reach out to us. It is important to remember that while the advice is to stay at home, anyone who is at risk of, or experiencing, domestic abuse, is still able to leave and seek refuge".
Alison Hernandez, Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner
How to get help
Domestic abuse is a crime and should be reported to police via the 101 webchat, email or telephone services, or 999 in an emergency.
Residents of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly affected by crime can receive practical and emotional support from the Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900 or online at victimcaredevonandcornwall.org.uk whether or not a crime has been reported.
Victim Support can be reached by calling 08081689111 or online at www.victimsupport.org.uk