£300k help to combat domestic violence

More than £300,000 has been secured to tackle domestic abuse in County Durham.

The £320,000 comes after a bid by Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen and two local authorities, to the Home Office Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Fund.

The cash will be used by the Commissioner to pay for a range of schemes aimed at reducing re-offending and protecting victims and survivors.

It will also be used to support families where children or young people aged between eight and 18 are found to be displaying abusive or violent towards parents and carers.

Programmes will be delivered by a range of specialists, including youth and social workers, youth offending teams and family workers.

This bid was submitted in partnership with both Durham County Council and Darlington Borough Council.

The Commissioner said: “I have already given an undertaken in my Police and Crime Plan to use robust domestic violence programmes to prevent domestic violence and abuse.

"Domestic abuse is a hidden harm and a serious crime, and I am delighted we have been successful in securing funding from the Government to deliver this advanced programme.

“I along with my team are committed to working in partnership with local authorities to ensure intervention programmes are being delivered with a focus on understanding the root cause of offending and trying to prevent further cases of domestic abuse across County Durham and Darlington.”

If you suspect domestic abuse or experiencing it yourself seek help at https://www. myharbour.org.uk//0300020 25 25