Cash injection to support victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence

Victim Support Rochdale and Rochdale Borough Council have been awarded funding to support victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Victim Support Rochdale will receive funding to recruit new domestic violence and sexual violence advisors, whilst the council will receive funding to continue providing advisors for another three years.

The funding comes via the Greater Manchester Combined Authority from the Ministry of Justice.

The purpose of a domestic violence advisor is to address the safety of victims at high risk of harm from intimate partners, ex-partners, or family members to secure their safety and the safety of their children.

An independent sexual violence advisor works to provide emotional and practical support for anyone who has experienced current or historic rape, sexual abuse or assault. If someone has reported a sexual offence to the police, an advisor can also offer support and advice on the criminal justice system.

There will also be advisors who specialise in working with LGBT victims, children and young people, as well as victims of stalking and harassment.

Councillor Janet Emsley, joint deputy leader of Rochdale Council and cabinet member for equalities, safety and reform said: “We are really pleased to have received the funding provided by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), which has enabled Rochdale Borough Council to fund an additional independent domestic violence advocate (IDVA).

“This post addresses the safety of victims at high risk of harm from domestic violence and abuse and will work with them from the point of crisis to assess risk, discuss suitable options, develop safety plans and long-term support. The charity, Victim Support, has been commissioned to provide this additional worker and will enhance the wider domestic abuse service offer in the borough for victims of this abuse.

“We have so far benefitted from a total funding of £70,265. In 2021/22 we received £29,166 and £41,099 for 2022/23. This additional award from the MoJ will be used to continue to fund the additional IDVA for another three years. We haven’t had confirmation of the value for the third year so I cannot say with any certainty what this will be going forward.”

Bev Hughes, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, said: “This is a substantial amount of funding which will ensure some of the most vulnerable victims in Greater Manchester are given the support they need.

“Improving support for vulnerable and marginalised people is an issue we’re passionate about in Greater Manchester and we are committed to transforming victims’ services to ensure every victim of crime has access to the right support, regardless of whether they make the decision to report a crime to police.

“The additional funding to develop witness centres and therapeutic support for victims will also help to improve the provision on offer to victims, as well as help our work to tackle Gender Based Violence and abuse in all its forms.”

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Help and support for domestic abuse

Domestic violence or abuse is defined as controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence. Domestic violence can happen against anyone, and anybody can be an abuser.

You do not have to wait for an emergency situation to find help.

If you're a victim of domestic abuse, there's a range of support available to help you.

If you, or someone you know, is feeling anxious and unsafe in their home, visit gmvictims.org.uk or call 0161 200 1950 for help and advice, including how to access local support services.

You don’t have to report anything to the police if you don’t want to, but if you, or someone else is in immediate danger always dial 999.

If you are calling 999 from a mobile phone and you are unable to speak, you can use the Silent Solution by pressing 55 when prompted. Once you press 55, the operator will then transfer the call to the relevant police force as an emergency.

If you, or someone you know, has come to harm or is at risk of coming to harm, you can report this to Greater Manchester Police via their Livechat facility at gmp.police.uk or call 101 for the Greater Manchester Police Switchboard (24-hour service).

You can also call the freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247.