New funding to support Peterborough victims of domestic abuse and sexual offences

The funding is made up of £97,138 which will be allocated to local services facing greater demand and Cambridgeshire’s additional allocation from the Rape Support Fund which totals £93,601.

This will be awarded to the county’s sexual violence support service the Cambridge and Peterborough Rape Crisis Partnership.

All 11 services are reporting an increased demand for emotional and practical support from victims.

The additional funds will allow them to retain trained staff and continue to respond to victims in a way that meets their needs.

Mr Bisby said: “While the coronavirus health emergency continues to impact on all of us, for victims of domestic or sexual abuse lockdown restrictions can increase anxiety.

“Positively, our providers are reporting that many more victims are accepting help and are keen to spend time talking to staff who are offering both emotional and practical support.

“The funding announcement recognises the vital work undertaken by service providers to ensure sexual and domestic abuse victims can continue to access support during this difficult time.”

Cambridgeshire Deaf Association is one of the local service providers to receive a small cash injection.

Ruth Godden from the charity said: “This grant has allowed us to purchase practical resources which will enable staff to continue to provide support to domestic abuse victims, such as face masks for British Sign Language users.

“We understand the real potential for the current situation with Covid-19 to cause anxiety and concern for many, not least those processing trauma and living with the impacts of domestic abuse.

“We want to reassure survivors of domestic abuse that we are still here and you are not alone.”

The Acting Police and Crime Commissioner, along with partners, has secured more than £600,000 of additional funding for services supporting domestic and sexual abuse victims since spring.

This includes three Independent Sexual Violence Advocates (ISVAs) for the county. ISVAs offer important practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted recently or in the past, regardless of whether the crime has been reported to the police.

Any victims wishing to access support can call the Freephone advice number on 0800 781 6818 or email: [email protected].

There is also online advice on the Victims Services website which provides details of other local and national organisations providing specialist support: www.cambsvictimservices.co.uk.