Additional Funding To Support Victims Of Abuse In Avon And Somerset

• Published date: 15 September 2022
• Subject Matter: Corporate/Commercial Law, Family and Matrimonial, Charities & Non-Profits , Family Law
• Law Firm: Ian Walker Family Law and Mediation Solicitors
• Author: Mr Ian Walker

Funding supports victims of abuse in Avon and Somerset

The family court has powers to protect victims of domestic abuse, and hopefully to prevent recurrences of the abuse. However, the effects of abuse upon victims do not stop when the abuse ends.

Victims of abuse may require support long after the abuse has ended. And much of that support will come from local organisations, who provide counselling and other forms of help to survivors.

A recent announcement of extra government funding for such organisations in Avon and Somerset is therefore highly welcomed.

Funding Strategy that supports victims of abuse

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner ('OPCC') has announced that it has secured over '1.4million over a three-year period that supports victims of abuse, domestic and sexual violence.

This extra funding follows a recent announcement by the Ministry of Justice of an additional '6.6million per year nationally to help services supporting victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse. The total funding pot ring-fenced for Police and Crime Commissioners ('PCCs') across England and Wales to commission domestic and sexual violence services now totals '21.7million, complementing existing funding available from government, local authorities, health and others as set out in the government's Victims Funding Strategy.

In Avon and Somerset, the funding will be used to provide counselling for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, including children and young adults, increase capacity to help more victims, run peer support groups and engage with women in the Criminal Justice System.

Avon and Somerset PCC Mark Shelford commented:

"I am delighted that the OPCC and victim providers have secured this additional funding from the Ministry of Justice.

"The extra funding will allow local organisations to support more people across Avon and Somerset - including children and young adults - with lived experiences of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

"Our local victim services will be able to continue to increase their capacity and, as a result, engage and support more victims in a range of ways including workshops, counselling and peer support groups.

"As I've said before, it is essential that victims know that help and support is available when they want to access it. The funding over a three-year period will make a massive difference to the services who will receive it and ensure victims are supported in the long-term."

Local support organisations that supports...