The government has announced a funding boost of up to £8.3 million for organisations providing support to victims of abuse, including counselling, training, and community outreach.
More victims of crimes including domestic abuse, rape and other sexual offences will benefit from the support.
Many of the organisations being funded are led, designed, and delivered by and for the communities they aim to serve, with organisations providing tailored support to victims such as those from ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled, LGBT and elderly victims. There is also funding for specialist organisations working with male victims specifically.
A £1.2 million training programme has also launched for Independent Sexual Violence and Domestic Abuse Advisors who provide emotional and practical support to victims. The government said it is funding 1,000 of these posts and the training to make sure these vulnerable victims get better help and stay engaged with the criminal justice system.
“I have heard first-hand heart-breaking stories of trauma endured by survivors of abuse and I know how important bespoke support which meets victims’ individual needs and circumstances is,” said Minister for Safeguarding at the Home Office, Sarah Dines:
“We are proud that this funding will go to such a diverse range of organisations who really make a difference to the communities they serve.”
Minister for Victims at the Ministry of Justice Ed Argar added that by and for services are a “vital part of the support available to victims and survivors of crime”.
In total, 55 organisations will benefit from the funding, enabling them to continue their vital work with victims of abuse.
Domestic Abuse Commissioner Nicole Jacobs said:
“My office’s report ‘A Patchwork of Provision’ highlighted the significant gaps in provision of specialist ‘by and for’ domestic abuse services which support Black and minoritised, deaf and disabled, and LGBT+ survivors.
This fund will make some progress towards responding to these gaps and I look forward to working with the government on the Victims & Prisoners Bill to close this gap further.”
