Local authorities in East Sussex will receive additional funding to support victims of domestic abuse which is welcome news for Wealden MP Nus Ghani.
Councils across England have been allocated £125 million to support domestic abuse victims and their children. East Sussex County Council will receive £1,069,272 whilst Wealden District Council will benefit from an additional £32,355.
The new funding is part of the Government’s landmark Domestic Abuse Bill and package of comprehensive support for victims.
The money will help ensure that victims of domestic abuse and their children have access to life-saving support in safe accommodation, including advocacy, counselling, and therapy in safe locations away from their abusers.
Under a new duty, local authorities 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 that local authorities know how much they will receive for these vital services and can begin to plan.
This funding is part of a wider package of support for victims of rape and domestic abuse, with a £40 million funding boost for victim support services announced on February 1, 2021, building on the unprecedented £76 million pledged in May 2020 to ensure vital services including refuges, helplines and counselling remain accessible throughout the pandemic.
Additionally, the ‘Ask for ANI’ code word scheme has launched last month, which allows those at risk or suffering from abuse in the local area to discreetly use a recognised code word to signal that they need help and access support from the police or other support services from their local pharmacy.
Nus Ghani said: “It is a sad but inescapable truth that domestic abuse is a horrific reality for many people in 21st century Britain. I have been dealing with many incidents of domestic abuse in Wealden this past year, as the pandemic has been a particularly challenging time for those trapped at home with an abuser.
"I have been working with Sussex Police on a coordinated campaign across Wealden to support victims of domestic violence and allow them to seek help discreetly in public places such as supermarkets.
“I have been campaigning for more resources for victims of domestic violence and abuse since my election to Parliament and I am pleased the Government has committed to empowering and protecting victims of this devastating crime. This additional funding will allow us to go further in Wealden and ensure that anyone who needs to access safe accommodation and support services they need to recover and rebuild their lives will be able to do so. Please do reach out if you need help.”
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