More specialist support on its way for domestic abuse victims in Sheffield

Sheffield Council has received a Government grant of £1.3m to provide specialist support within safe accommodation.

The money will be spent in refuges, in accommodation where victims live semi-independently with extra support and in the Sanctuary Scheme which enables victims to stay in their own homes.

There will also be funding to help children through counselling, play therapy and advocacy plus money to pay for therapeutic support for adults and assist survivors with complex needs.

In addition, there will be money for prevention, advice, casework and engagement to help people recognise the signs of abusive relationships, to help them remain safe and to prevent them becoming repeat victims.

Council office Alison Higgins says in a report: “The funding will contribute to reducing victimisation and keeping people safe in Sheffield.

“It is planned that some of the funding will be used to enhance support offered by our women’s refuges however it is also planned that the funding will enable increased support to male victims, including GBT+ victims being supported in dispersed accommodation and via our Sanctuary Scheme.

“The needs assessment will consider all people in relation to domestic abuse and is designed to help us ensure that services are accessible to all sections of local communities.”

The Government says future funding will be dependent on spending reviews which means plans for this latest pot of money have to be put in place urgently.

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