New crisis funding to support victims of violence during pandemic

Victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence across Derbyshire will have access to increased support as part of an emergency funding package in response to the coronavirus.

Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa has allocated £439,275 in grants to charities and non-profit organisations which are safeguarding victims of violence and supporting their emotional recovery during the pandemic.

The Commissioner received the maximum allocation of funding from the Ministry of Justice, which is investing £750 million nationally as part of the response to soaring demand levels during Covid-19.

Derbyshire has been allocated £236,882 for domestic abuse services already commissioned by the PCC, £74,196 for sexual violence services already commissioned by the PCC and £128,197 for domestic abuse services not currently commissioned by the PCC. 

The funding has been shared between a host of charities and non-profit organisations across the county, helping them to meet the increased cost of adapting services according to social distancing rules, increased staffing and an expansion of safe accommodation for desperate victims and their families. 

Mr Dhindsa said: "This is a huge victory for victims of crime and should encourage anybody suffering at the hands of an abuser to step forward and seek help because there are people trained and ready to help.

"I've been able to secure the maximum amount of funding from the MoJ and there is no doubt that it is desperately needed. Covid-19 has increased the risk and vulnerability of so many victims and survivors of violence and it is vital we expand capacity to ensure everyone who needs help or protection receives it.

"We have excellent working relationships with service providers and have been able to establish swiftly where critical funding and additional resources are needed to meet demand pressures.

"Many victims of violence will be accessing help for the first time as a result of the lockdown and this funding will ensure we can support their recovery throughout Covid-19 and beyond with specialist resources.

"It's important now to take stock of demand trends and prepare beyond the present as the pressure for help is unlikely to diminish in the months ahead."

For more detail of victim services in Derbyshire, visit www.core-derbyshire.com.