Lottery windfall to fund domestic abuse support group’s work

AWARD: £340,000 will let partnership continue project for three years

Work to help victims of domestic abuse feel safer and less isolated will continue for another three years, thanks to funding from the National Lottery.

Fife’s Safe, Secure and Supported at Home partnership has been awarded £340,000 from the lottery’s community fund to support its work.

Run jointly by Fife Council, Fife Women’s Aid and Police Scotland, the project works with adults, children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse, sexual violence or any other form of violence.

Services include personal safety advice at home and in the community and the fitting of home security equipment, as well as housing advice.

Befriending services are also available for women.

Labour councillor Judy Hamilton, convener of Fife Council’s community and housing services committee, welcomed the additional funding.

We are committed to improving housing options for victims of domestic abuse and help them to feel safe and secure at home.

COUNCILLOR JUDY HAMILTON

“I am delighted this project is secure for the next three years,” she said.

“It is a fundamental human right to feel safe at home, yet that is not the case for many victims of domestic abuse who continue to be harassed after they separate from their abuser.

“We are committed to improving housing options for victims of domestic abuse and help them to feel safe and secure at home.”

Many victims of domestic abuse find themselves feeling isolated, either because the perpetrator has sabotaged relationships with family and friends or because they have been forced to move home to free themselves and their children from violence and abuse.

Kate Mccormack, manager of Fife Women’s Aid, said: “The befriending service helps women feel less isolated and regain confidence in themselves.

“Befrienders support women to get out in the local community, engage in activities and meet new people.

“Women who have used the service say that they feel better about themselves and are able to follow their interests.”

Help and support is available from the police, Fife Women’s Aid and Fife Rape and Sexual Assault Centre.

People can also phone the national domestic abuse helpline on 0800 027 1234.