Grant to help victims of domestic abuse

Refuge bed spaces and support services are to be boosted for the victims of domestic abuse in the North East after a funding award of £660,000.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Dame Vera Baird QC has said the help is a “great triumph”.

She has welcomed the Government announcement that 76 projects across the country will receive a share of £20million to support victims of domestic abuse - £660,000 of this will pay for refuge bed space and support services in Northumbria, helping an estimated 300 victims.

Dame Vera was an official partner of the consortium which bid for vital funding and is delighted that the application, made by the six local authorities - Sunderland, South Tyneside, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Gateshead and Northumberland - has been successful.