Cheshire Police along with Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Halton Borough Council and Warrington Borough Council successfully secured £481,000 in order to help provide support to victims suffering from domestic abuse
Over the next two years this money from the Department for Communities and Local Government will be used to recruit and train a team of specialist workers who can assess more complex cases and support those who are experiencing multiple and challenging barriers to living safe lives.
This will provide local suitable accommodation to victims, so they no longer have to live in fear in their own home, and help to create a dedicated coordination function across the sub-region to provide direct access to a range of public sector data systems and professionals to offer additional advice and support on complex cases. This includes local services such as social care, NHS, drug and alcohol, housing, mental health services, missing from home workers and CSE.
Chief Constable Simon Byrne, Chair of the Domestic Abuse Strategic Board, said: "Securing this funding is fantastic news and will go a long way in helping us support those who suffer greatly at the hands of their abusers.
"Domestic abuse has a huge impact on the lives of victims as well as their families and we work hard to ensure they are protected and kept safe from harm to enable them to move forward and begin a better life."
Councillor Paul Bates, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for communities and health said: "Through our ongoing commitment to working more collaboratively with neighbouring local authorities and other strategic partners, we are delighted to have secured this additional funding which will see more victims of domestic abuse across Cheshire being given the essential support they so desperately need.
"Tackling domestic abuse and violence in Cheshire East remains a top priority and there is simply no place for abuse or violence against women and girls in our local communities. As a council, we are firmly committed to putting our residents first and helping the victims of domestic abuse feel safe and have the opportunity to turn their lives around from this devastating crime."
Police & Crime Commissioner David Keane said: "It is welcoming to see this vital service has been given the funding. One of the priorities in my police and crime plan is to focus on services which support victims of crimes and protecting the vulnerable. This latest initiative is another step in the right direction in being there for victims when they need it most and when they are at their most vulnerable."
