Steve Double, Member of Parliament for St Austell and Newquay has welcomed confirmation of £194,000 funding from the Housing Secretary today to support survivors of domestic violence in Cornwall.
The funding is part of £16.6 million given to 75 projects to help fund domestic abuse refuge services.
Seventy-five projects across England will share over £16 million, helping up to 43,000 survivors have access to the help they need as they move towards a safe future, free from domestic abuse.
Commenting, Steve said:
“One instance of domestic abuse is one too many. Domestic abuse is a devastating crime which shatters the lives of over two million survivors and their families every year. This funding will enable victims and their children to stay safe, recover from the trauma, and access safe permanent rehousing where needed.”
“I am pleased that the Government has announced this funding for Cornwall and look forward to seeing it drawn down to help people who need support as soon as possible.”
Commenting, Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick MP, said:
“Domestic abuse destroys lives and leaves victims living in fear in their own homes – the place where they should feel most safe and secure.”
“No victim of domestic abuse should have to struggle to get the right support, or wait months for help that they need. This new funding of £16.6 million will help local areas better protect victims and their children and provide essential life-saving services, delivering the urgent support that they need to rebuild their lives.”
This announcement follows the confirmation of a new legal duty which will create a consistent approach to accommodation-based support for domestic abuse victims across England. This will help all families recover and overcome their experiences, regardless of where they live.
In addition, the Domestic Abuse Bill being reintroduced to the House shortly will bring about the first ever statutory government definition of domestic abuse to specifically include economic abuse and controlling and manipulative non-physical abuse.
The Bill will also establish a new Domestic Abuse Commissioner and prohibit the cross-examination of victims by their abusers in the family courts.
This action will help more people understand domestic abuse and ensure those that need support can access it, whilst staying safe and protected from future abuse.