On Air Now Non Stop Music Midnight - 7:00am Rag 'N' Bone Man - Human Schedule

Nearly £300K Given To Protect Isle Of Wight Domestic Abuse Victims

Nearly £3,000 has been awarded to protect domestic abuse victims and children on the Isle of Wight.

Councils across the South East have been given £18m shares of £125 million of funding that has been announced today (Friday).

The Government Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing Eddie Hughes has allocated £292,040 for the Isle of Wight Council to provide support for domestic abuse victims and their children.

The funding will help Islanders who need it are able to access life-saving support such as therapy, advocacy and counselling in safe accommodation.

 The money will also help fund a new duty on councils to ensure victims and their children are able to access life-saving support in safe accommodation – a key part of the Government’s landmark Domestic Abuse Bill.

The duty will come into effect later this year, subject to the Domestic Abuse Bill becoming law.   

Minister for Housing and Rough Sleeping, Eddie Hughes MP said:  

“Domestic abuse is a heinous crime which threatens the lives of victims in their own homes where they should feel safe. So it’s right that we’re giving victims support in safe accommodation and providing South East councils with money to deliver essential services that will help them and their children rebuild their lives.”   

“This is part of a long term strategy to provide broader support for domestic abuse victims both in safe accommodation like refuges, and in their own homes.” 

The funding has been allocated following consultation and is in addition to £6 million given last year to help councils prepare for the duty.   

Safeguarding Minister Victoria Atkins said: 

“The Domestic Abuse Bill is a landmark piece of legislation that will transform our response to victims in every region in England and Wales and help bring perpetrators to justice. 

“This funding for local authorities will ensure victims of domestic abuse and their children are able to access safe accommodation, a crucial step in supporting them to recover and rebuild their lives. This forms a key part of the Bill’s aim to empower and protect victims and survivors.  

“Throughout the pandemic, the Government has invested millions in ensuring that vital support services remain accessible, and has launched the ‘Ask for ANI’ codeword scheme which is already helping victims of domestic abuse access much needed support from thousands of pharmacies across the UK.”

The Isle of Wight Council has been approached for a comment.

More from Isle of Wight News