More support for domestic abuse victims in Swindon to rebuild their lives
Victims of domestic abuse in Swindon will benefit from extra support thanks to funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Published: Friday, 18th February 2022
Swindon Borough Council has been awarded £431,517 to enable it to provide a range of support services for anyone who is forced to flee their home to escape abuse.
The funding has been allocated to councils following the Government’s landmark Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which places a legal duty on councils to fund support in safe accommodation for all victims and their families.
The Council will use the Government funding to provide additional safe places for victims of domestic abuse who are not able to access traditional refuge accommodation such as male victims, victims with pets and those with older children. Suitable accommodation will also be provided for women with complex needs.
In addition, services to support victims including therapeutic support to adults and children and young people will be commissioned.
Councillor Cathy Martyn, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Public Safety, said: “For most of us, our homes are a place of safety and comfort, but for victims and survivors of domestic abuse it can quickly become a dangerous environment.
“It is therefore crucial that working with our partners we are able to reach out and offer sanctuary to those that need our help.
“I am really pleased we have been awarded this funding from the Government because it means we can continue to offer accommodation to those victims who sometimes struggle to find suitable places to escape terrifying situations, while also providing specialist support to those with complex needs.”