A grant of £524,000 has been awarded to Derbyshire County Council and will be used to help increase its support for the victims of domestic abuse.
The money is particularly welcome at a time when domestic abuse is liable to increase during the coronavirus pandemic.
The grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government comes from a pot of £15 million to be used to support victims of domestic abuse and their families through the provision of safe accommodation.
The county council will provide additional, specialist services to those with the most complex needs such as victims who have had to seek refuge away from their homes. The money will also fund work to reach people who may not automatically think of asking for help but may be at risk. These groups include male victims, those from the black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, LGBT+ people and older victims.
Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Carol Hart said: “I want to reassure residents that during the ongoing Covid-19 crisis we’re fully committed to continuing our support for victims of domestic abuse.
“This additional funding is really welcome as it means we can do even more in providing safe accommodation and reaching out to all parts of the community that might be victims of these awful abuses.
“I would urge anyone with concerns for themselves or others to get in touch knowing that no victim of domestic abuse will be turned away from the support they need.”
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse or who knows someone who might be can call Derbyshire’s free confidential domestic abuse support line on 08000 198 668 or visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/staysafe for more information.
In an emergency always ring 999 if you ring from a mobile but cannot respond to the operator, stay on the call, enter 55 when told to, you will be connected to the police, listen and follow their instructions