Extra funding to help Peterborough and Cambridgeshire domestic and sexual abuse survivors

The Ministry of Justice has awarded Acting Police and Crime Commissioner Ray Bisby with the extra funds as part of this year’s Victim Services Grant award.

A total of £129,851 will be shared between organisations supporting victims of domestic abuse and £63,163 will be awarded to specialist sexual violence support providers.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) will be working in partnership with colleagues from the local authority Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership to allocate the funding based on evidenced need and sustainability of future service provision.

However, the Acting Commissioner is keen to encourage organisations providing support services who did not engage with previous funding rounds, but who would now like to be considered for funding to get in touch.

“While the Coronavirus health emergency continues to impact on all of us, for victims of domestic or sexual abuse the lockdown restrictions can be stifling. Many local services provide lifelines for victims stuck at home; often these staff are the only people victims feel comfortable sharing their experiences with. This is why it is absolutely crucial we ensure all specialist services have the resources to continue that work,” said Mr Bisby.

“I urge local grass roots organisations whose primary role is to support victims of domestic abuse or sexual violence to consider expressing an interest in this funding.”

More information on the funding available and the details of how to make and expression of interest, visit: www.cambridgeshire-pcc.gov.uk/police-crime-plan/victims/additional-domestic-abuse-and-sexual-violence-support-funding/

“My office will also be co-ordinating a countywide bid to increase the availability of trained specialist staff who provide support for victims and survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse – called IDVAs and ISVAs.

“The bid will be developed in partnership with Cambridge and Peterborough Rape Crisis Partnership and local authority who provide the countywide Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy service and the Independent Domestic Abuse Advocacy service respectively.” Added Mr Bisby.