More victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence will receive therapeutic support in Leicestershire thanks to a cash boost from the Home Office to expand current services.
Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Lord Willy Bach has successfully applied for funding from the Home Office’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)Transformation Fund which will help ease demand pressures and ensure more victims receive help.
The cash, which amounts to £58,000, will be allocated to five support providers working in partnership with the PCC to enable them to deliver therapeutic sessions between October 1 2018 and 31 March 2019.
Grants will be provided to Quetzal (£11,043.50), Leicester Rape Crisis (£8,080.50), First Step (£5,028.00), New Dawn New Day (£3,950) and Trade Sexual Health (£897.50).
The sessions will benefit victims (both male and female) of domestic abuse, sexual violence and Child Sexual Exploitation.
Demand for recovery services for sexual violence and domestic abuse is increasing across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) and the grant will help to reduce the need for waiting lists.
Announcing the funding Willy Bach said: “This Home Office funding couldn’t have come at a better time with demand for our recovery services reaching unprecedented levels”.
“This cash boost will ensure vulnerable victims of crime who have suffered unthinkable violence and exploitation can receive the emotional help they need to recover and move on from their experiences as swiftly as possible.
“I’m very grateful for my team for setting out a compelling case for this funding. Victims of crime remain a top priority and I am determined that anyone, male or female, who has been subjected to these dreadful experiences are given the support they need to protect their mental wellbeing in the short and long-term.”
Sara Swire, CEO of local women’s charity New Dawn New Day said, “As a provider of therapeutic services to women and girls who have survived domestic abuse we are delighted to be given these extra resources. All of the providers run their services on very little funding and rely on skilled volunteers to work with some of our community’s most vulnerable people. This funding will make a huge difference.”
Victoria Gannon, Director of Trade Sexual Health, added: “Trade is pleased to receive these extra funds as they will allow us to support more vulnerable LGB&T victims of domestic abuse in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.”
Shirley Munden, Chair of Quetzal, said: “Quetzal will particularly use this money to help survivors of childhood abuse who need longer-term intervention, to recover from their traumatic experiences.”
Cas Beckett of First Step said: “We are delighted on behalf of our clients and team that Lord Bach and the OPCC have fought for and secured this additional funding ensuring that male victims of sexual assault can continue to access counselling and support.”
Victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence and Child Sexual Exploitation receive a minimum of 12 therapeutic sessions, provided on a weekly or fortnightly basis, under current arrangements. However, due to increased strain on resources through demand pressures, some of the sessions have had to be limited to ensure financial viability. This will particularly help survivors who need longer-term intervention, to recover from their traumatic experiences.
The funding will ensure those already waiting for support services receive help before the end of 2018/19 while new cases coming forward will also be supported.
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Posted on Friday 5th October 2018