Domestic abuse support given funding boost

Support services for victims and survivors of domestic abuse across Greater Manchester have been given a half a million pound boost.

Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd has awarded £420,000 for the region’s ten councils and voluntary organisations to work together to maintain and improve the support offered to victims.

Tony said: “This funding will strengthen the work that is ongoing across Greater Manchester to make sure victims of domestic abuse, and their families, have access to the right support and help they need to rebuild their lives.

“I’ve met many survivors of abuse who have shared inspirational stories of how they have escaped abusive relationships. They have taken an incredibly brave step, and without the help of support services and domestic abuse charities their stories would have a very different - and tragic - ending.

“That’s why this funding is so important. Greater Manchester has made great strides in improving how we tackle domestic abuse, bringing together police, councils, health and the voluntary sector to work much more closely together. The lives of victims and their children depend on us continuing this positive work.”

The announcement comes as Greater Manchester marks 16 days of activism – an international campaign against domestic violence and abuse – which began on White Ribbon Day on the 25th November and ends on Human Rights Day on 10 December.

Tony added: “While we have seen an increase in reporting, there are still too many suffering in silence not knowing who to turn to. We must continue to raise awareness of the help and support that’s available to victims and give more people the confidence to come forward.”

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, visit www.gmvictims.org.uk for help and advice and to find support in your area.

Each local authority has been awarded funding which will be used to support and enhance existing domestic abuse support services. For example, Independent Domestic Abuse Advisors who work with high risk victims, Domestic Abuse Support Workers, work with perpetrators to address their behaviour, early intervention, and supporting families with underlying issues such as alcohol and mental health issues.

This funding complements the £2m awarded to Greater Manchester from the Home Office Police Innovation Fund earlier this year, which is being used to help victims of domestic abuse and their families at an earlier stage to prevent reoffending and stop violence escalating.