Extra £2.4m to aid abused women

AN ADDITIONAL £2.4m has been committed by the Welsh Government to tackle violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence (VAWDASV).

The new funds, formally announced by Finance Minister Rebecca Evans as part of the draft Budget, add to the £5m already assigned by the Welsh Government for third-sector organisations, local authorities and projects for services and programmes across Wales.

The draft Budget announcement is split into three pots:

■ £1.2m for third-sector organisations to acquire flexible accommodation for families;

■ £969,000 for organisations to purchase, maintain or upgrade buildings and equipment to support VAWDASV services;

■ £250,000 for five additional projects across Wales.

Statistics show women are more likely to be affected by domestic abuse, and as they are predominantly the care-givers within their families, they are also more likely to flee with children. The £1.2m will enable organisations to acquire community-based housing which can better meet the needs of families where a refuge may not be appropriate, or as the next step after a refuge.

The £969,000 funding will assist voluntary and statutory bodies in acquiring buildings or carrying out renovations to improve their support services.

The £250,000 includes funding to train staff to support BAME victims, support those affected by mental health and substance misuse problems, and reduce waiting lists for counselling.