Cheshire East Council and its partners have been awarded a grant of £647,000 to support the new Domestic Abuse Act which was signed into law in April.
The new act means councils must ensure victims and their children can access life-saving support in safe accommodation.
Funds will support victims and their children moving into safe accommodation using a ‘Whole Housing Approach’, meaning that services are strengthened to spot the signs of abuse and support families earlier.
It also means survivors are helped to remain safely in their homes where it is their choice or to keep their tenancy status if they relocate.
The grant should reduce the number of people becoming homeless due to domestic abuse.
Ged Rowney, interim director of children’s services at Cheshire East Council, said: “Domestic abuse impacts the lives of many of our residents, families and communities.
“Last year, 1,750 referrals were made to our services, an increase of 14% on the previous year.
“We know that true change can only be achieved when all the relevant agencies work together, and this money will help victims via the Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Partnership to provide support for them and their children in safe accommodation.
“For many victims the fear of homelessness keeps them and their families in dangerous situations and often forces them to return to the person causing harm.
“We know that leaving home and seeking refuge can be literally lifesaving for many who are fleeing.
“Equally other options such as additional security in the home and specialist safety advice can help families secure longer term, stable housing and have the support of the community where they live.”
You can get help and advice and access self-support services at openthedoorcheshire.org.uk or call 0300 123 5101.
Meanwhile, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire John Dwyer has secured £30,000 from the Ministry of Justice’s (MoJ) Critical Support fund to provide services to help children and young people who have suffered or witnessed domestic abuse.
The funding will see the PCC commission the Healing Together Facilitator Programme provided by Innovating Minds, to give additional training and support.
Police and Crime Commissioner, John Dwyer said: “Working with children and young people who’ve had these experiences early on is vital to help them process what’s happened, but also potentially break the cycle of behaviour they believe to be normal.
“I look forward to seeing the service roll out across the whole of Cheshire, providing that additional wrap around support for some of our youngest victims.”
Training provided by Innovating Minds can be offered to Early help workers, victim support workers, social workers, educational staff (pastoral staff) working in mainstream and alternative provision, behavioural support teams, domestic abuse organisations, and refuges.
If you’d like to find out more information about programme contact Deborah Merrick, Relationships Manager, via email [email protected]
In an emergency, always ring 999.
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