New funds to help abuse victims

EXTRA funding for support services helping ethnic minority victims of domestic abuse has been announced in England and Wales.

Around £40 million has been provided to allow an increase in service recruitment and the expansion of remote counselling and helplines.

The Ministry of Justice confirmed that £2m of funding would go to groups helping BAME victims, as well as the LGBTQ+ community and individuals with disabilities.

Justice minister Alex Chalk said: “For many victims, this pandemic has been an inescapable nightmare in which they often feel at greater risk of harm. Their protection remains an absolute priority and this funding, backed by our new campaign, should mean no victim is left to suffer alone.”

Eastern Eye has previously reported an increase of domestic violence during the ongoing pandemic. In January, charities catering to ethnic communities said they were struggling to cope with the increased demand on services.

Last November, the Office for National Statistics found the number of domestic abuse offences recorded by police forces in England and Wales had risen during the crisis.