Lewes MP welcomes extra funding for domestic abuse victims

East Sussex is to receive £1,069,272 to help support victims.

The funding is part of a wider package of support for victims of rape and domestic abuse, with a £40million funding boost for victim support services announced on February 1, building on the unprecedented £76million pledged in May 2020, to ensure vital services including refuges, helplines and counselling remain accessible throughout the pandemic.

In total, councils across England will receive £125million.

“Domestic abuse is a devastating crime that ruins lives, which is why this Conservative Government’s commitment to empowering and protecting victims is so important,” said Mrs Caulfield.

“The £1,069,272 announced for East Sussex will ensure that anyone who needs to access safe accommodation and the support services they need to recover and rebuild their lives will be able to do so, and is part of a wider package of support we have put in place for victims of rape and domestic abuse.

“In taking another big step towards helping break the cycle of domestic abuse and protecting some of the most vulnerable in our society, we are transforming our response to victims and will help them move forward with their lives.”

In January, the Conservative Government also launched the ‘Ask for ANI’ codeword scheme, which provides victims of domestic abuse access to immediate help from the police or other support services from their local pharmacy.

Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing Eddie Hughes said “Domestic abuse is a heinous crime which threatens the lives of victims in their own homes where they should feel safe. So it’s right that we’re giving victims support in safe accommodation and providing councils with money to deliver essential services that will help them and their children rebuild their lives.”

“This is part of a long-term strategy to provide broader support for domestic abuse victims both in safe accommodation like refuges and in their homes.”