Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall has been successful in securing £189,000 of funding from the Ministry of Justice to provide vital additional support for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Peter McCall comments: “I am really pleased to be able to secure this additional funding for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
“This Ministry of Justice grant is part of a wider £76m funding package recently announced by the Government. It will enable victims and survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, vulnerable children and their families to access support during this difficult time.
“Sadly, in Cumbria, we have seen domestic abuse increase since the beginning of lockdown in March. This funding comes at a time when there is no doubt that COVID-19 has increased the risk and vulnerability of victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
“The funding will help organisations to cope with the changes they have had to put in place since lockdown began. It will help to cover some of the additional costs associated with expanding their services and having to work remotely during COVID-19. The grant will also help organisations meet essential costs to sustain current activities, adapt services to adhere to new social distancing rules, and increase staff capacity.
“We have excellent support services in Cumbria who have all shown a high level of dedication and commitment to victims during this difficult time. Each one quickly established an emergency response to COVID-19, ensuring that victims continued to receive the support they needed to cope and recover, whilst meeting an increase in demand.
“I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with these organisations over the next few months to ensure that victims have access to the support they need.”
Rebecca Robson, Senior Officer at Women’s Community Matters comments: “We would like to say a huge thank you to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for all their help over the last few months.
“We have seen a threefold increase in demand for support around domestic abuse and these funds will help us a great deal. The support of the OPCC in bringing these funds to the area means we can focus on supporting victims and survivors of abuse.“
Following a detailed assessment process, the following eight organisations have been allocated a share of the extra funding: Victim Support, The Birchall Trust, Safety Net, The Well, Springfield, Women’s Community Matters, Women Out West and West Cumbria Domestic Violence Support Group.
