Extra funding for services providing support for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence

Organisations providing domestic abuse or sexual violence support services across County Durham and Darlington are urged to apply for additional funding being made available by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ).The Durham Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner is pleased to announce that the MOJ has now confirmed £276,293 of additional funding is available to support victims of domestic abuse and/or sexual violence in our communities.

We are now inviting applications for this funding from organisations who currently provide support to victims who have experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence at any time in their lives.

We are particularly interested in hearing from organisations that have a proven track record of delivering tailored support to victims of domestic abuse and/or sexual violence to our LGBTQ+, BAME and disabled communities as well as male victims.

Last year, twelve voluntary and community sector organisations who applied and met the specified criteria benefitted from the funding which enabled them to continue their invaluable work until March 2021 by introducing different and innovative ways of working throughout the Covid-19 lockdown period.

Funding is available for the period from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022, to cover additional costs that have been incurred whilst adapting services, and to cope with increased demand.

Steve White, Acting Durham Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner said, “I am very pleased that nationally there has been acknowledgement that domestic abuse victim services need additional funding to cope with an increased demand during the current challenging environment.

“Lockdown has meant that our response to domestic abuse has needed to adapt and evolve.  Therefore, it is crucial that these services can continue their valuable work throughout the pandemic and beyond.

“Applications can come from organisations of any size, including small specialist organisations that support particular groups such as BAME, disabled or LGBTQ+ victims.  I urge any organisation looking to make a bid to get in touch with my office without delay, as we have been set a very short deadline 5th March 2021 for applications.”

To be eligible, organisations must meet the following criteria:

• Have a proven track record of delivering tailored support services to help victims of domestic abuse and/or sexual violence cope with the impact of, and, as far as possible, recover from the harm they have experienced.
• Provide evidence of need relating to referrals, waiting lists, number of victims currently, or previously, supported.
• Agree to due diligence and fraud risk assessments being undertaken.

Closing date for applications is Friday 5 March 2021.

For further information and details of how to apply for the funding please contact General.EnquiriesPCVC@durham.police.uk

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