Domestic abuse victims are given £647,000 support
AGRANT worth £647,000 has been welcomed by the council to aid its support of the new Domestic Abuse Act.
Cheshire East Council has welcomed the fund which will help ensure victims of domestic abuse and their children, including in Macclesfield, have access to life-saving support in safe accommodation.
Money will be spent on a ‘Whole Housing Approach’, meaning that services are strengthened to spot the signs of abuse and support families earlier.
It is also hoped the money will help to reduce the number of people becoming homeless due to domestic abuse as it can be used to help survivors remain safely in their homes where it is their choice to do so, or to keep their tenancy status if they relocate.
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 percent on the previous year.
“We know change can that only true 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.”
The new Domestic Abuse Act, which was signed into law at the end of April, places a duty on all councils to ensure victims and their children can access life-saving support in safe accommodation.
Mr Rowney added: “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.
“Our approach is rooted in giving families, friends and colleagues the information and skills they need to support people when they are concerned about them, know where they can get specialist help if needed and feel supported to prevent harm.”
If you, or someone you know is in a relationship that doesn’t quite feel right, speak to someone about it.
You can get help and advice and access selfsupport services at: openthedoorcheshire.org.uk or call 0300 123 5101. In an emergency, always ring 999.