More support for victims of domestic abuse in Derbyshire

Victims of domestic abuse will get more help and support thanks to more than half a million pounds of funding means

Derbyshire County Council has secured more than £525,000 which will be used to support, expand or set up a number of projects and initiatives to give victims additional support and advice.

This includes:

• Expansion of the Harmony project offering specialist refuge for young women and girls who are experiencing abuse and/or exploitation

• Recruiting specialist community workers to improve engagement with black and minority ethnic (BME) and lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans groups

• Recruiting a domestic abuse prevention and support worker to Charis House, a refuge in Buxton for women with complex needs such as substance misuse.

• Extending refuges to provide out of hours cover allowing people fleeing domestic abuse to access accommodation out of hours rather than going into bed and breakfast accommodation.

• Developing a project between Derbyshire’s Domestic Abuse Support Line and the county’s BME forum to make access to the support line easier.

Health and communities chief Councillor Dave Allen said: “This is excellent news and shows that together we’re committed to supporting all victims of domestic abuse.

“It’s an awful crime that usually has far reaching and ongoing consequences for everyone involved.

“The new funding will help support services become more joined-up and easily accessible to everyone as well as extending some brilliant services we already provide.”

For confidential domestic abuse support call 08000 198 668 or visit www.saferderbyshire.gov.uk/domesticabusesupport for information.