Money available to help tackle domestic abuse and sexual violence

Funding totalling £200,000 is available to organisations in Gwent that support victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence to assist with additional costs incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, has welcomed the Ministry of Justice’s announcement of a £76million package of funding supporting victims, and is urging local support services providing dedicated support for domestic abuse and sexual violence to apply for grants to support their work.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on 5 June. All funds must be spent by 31 October.

 

Application criteria and guidance.

Jeff Cuthbert said: “This funding will help support survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence to get the help they need during COVID-19. However, the timescales in which to apply for funding are very tight.

“Gwent Police and our key partners have been working tirelessly since lockdown began helping some of our most vulnerable residents. For many of these, home is not the sanctuary it should be due to domestic abuse and sexual violence.

“The national lockdown means that these incidents will inevitably increase and it is paramount we do everything we can to tackle this.

“Funding such as this £200,000 from the Ministry of Justice will help us work with frontline charities to provide vulnerable people with the help they need.

“I’m urging any organisations working to tackle these issues in Gwent to contact my office as soon as possible and see if they are eligible for some of this funding.

“And if you are experiencing domestic abuse, please do not suffer in silence. Speak out. Support services are there for you.”

For more information about applying for funding, email emma.lionel@gwent.pnn.police.uk

If you are experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence, advice is available at www.gwentsafeguarding.org.uk. You can also call Live Fear Free, the Welsh Government helpline, for free on 0808 8010 800. In an emergency, always call 999.