Domestic abuse services see funding boost

Victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence in West Yorkshire are expected to receive enhanced levels of support following an over £2m funding boost.

The Mayor Combined Authority has been allocated the funding to increase the number of Independent Sexual Violence Advisers and Independent Domestic Violence Advisers, seeing the creation of over 25 full time equivalent roles.

The new staff will work to provide tailored and specialist assistance for those who have experienced domestic abuse and sexual violence, with a funding commitment from the Ministry of Justice until 2023.

This news comes as domestic abuse support services in the county receive over £350,000 in additional funding to help increase their capacity and respond to victim’s needs.

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said: ‘Tackling Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence sits firmly within my priorities as Mayor, and this additional funding for much needed victim and survivor support services is extremely welcome.

‘This extra funding means that those already embedded within our communities can continue to deliver an invaluable resource that supports victims and survivors, both emotionally and practically. Partnership working is crucial, and I am absolutely committed to this approach.’

One organisation who will receive funding for a domestic violence adviser is Basis Yorkshire, who works to end stigma, create safety, and promote empowerment for sex workers in Leeds and young people experiencing sexual exploitation.

Moya Woolven, chief executive of Basis Yorkshire, said: ‘Basis Yorkshire are delighted to receive funding for an Independent Domestic Violence Adviser which we applied for based on the issue being so prevalent among women we support.

‘Adding this specialism to our team supporting women sex workers and those who are being (or have been) sexually exploited will enable us to provide a much-needed additional layer of support to women who are or have been victims of domestic abuse.’

In related news, government funding has helped Stockport develop a co-ordinated community response to domestic abuse, and now the Council hopes to secure White Ribbon accreditation to demonstrate its commitment to addressing violence against women.

Photo by Külli Kittus