SOUTHEND Council has been given £100,000 Government funding to support domestic abuse victims.

The council is among 148 authorities across the country to receive a share of a specially designated £10 million fund from the Department for Communities and Local Government.

In Southend the money will be used to improve the local specialist refuge and enhance community services for victims of domestic abuse.

Consultations will now get under way with Southend’s multi-agency Domestic Abuse Strategy Group to ensure the funding is used in the best way to make a real difference to those at risk of domestic abuse.

David Norman, councillor responsible for adult social care, health and housing, said: “This funding gives us a great opportunity to build on, and further develop the help we can already offer to those suffering from domestic abuse.

“Southend has one of the highest levels of reported domestic abuse in Essex and whilst the response of the council and our partner agencies is strong, we recognise more needs to be done.

"We are committed to tackling this issue. The additional funding will help us to address some of the local challenges, in particular supporting victims who need safe shelter, at a time of crisis.”

Mr Norman added: "Local research has identified a number of areas where this funding could be used. We know some victims of domestic abuse, for example males, older women and people with complex problems with drugs, alcohol or mental health need better access to refuge support.

“We also need to help victims of domestic abuse move quickly from refuges to more permanent affordable housing and offer appropriate support to victims for whom a refuge is not the solution.

“We are extremely pleased to have this additional funding and look forward to discussing with our partners, how best to maximise the benefits for local people.”

The Southend refuge helped 65 women and their children in 2013/14. The floating support service for male and female victims supported 98 people and the Sanctuary Scheme provided safety measures in around 77 homes.

It is estimated the extra funding could provide at least another 12 refuge spaces, or support another 55 victims in the community, or install safety measures in up to 385 more homes.

 

 

 

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