£70,000 fund for local victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence

Local victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence are to benefit from over £70,000 of specialist services.

Projects were put forward by Police and Crime Commissioner, John Dwyer to a Government fund which was aimed at Commissioners to provide additional support to persistently targeted, vulnerable or intimidated victims to help them to cope and recover.

Almost £58,000 will be used to fund support to victims of domestic abuse in Cheshire through Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs) in the new, integrated Specialist Domestic Violence Court (SDVC).

The new Cheshire SDVC will replace three intermittent court sittings with daily hearings supported by video-link facilities across the county. This will help to separate victims from their perpetrators, increase trial effectiveness and lead to more successful prosecutions.

The money will also support the establishment of consistent management and enforcement of Domestic Violence Protection Orders and Notices and improve IDVA response times at weekends to help survivors of domestic abuse with personal safety, securing their homes and other support services.

A further £12,500 has been awarded to build a network of community based support groups for men and women who have suffered sexual violence.

Individuals who have experienced, or been affected by, sexual violence often experience emotional health problems, feelings of isolation, loss of self-esteem and confidence; which in turn can result in development of unhealthy relationships and re-victimisation

John Dwyer said, “I am delighted that these bids to the fund have been successful particularly as the money was raised through the victim surcharge which means that ultimately, it is offenders who are paying for the services. I put victims at the heart of my Police & Crime Plan and this money will go some way to helping vulnerable victims to cope and recover from their ordeal.”