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Swindon Borough Council sets out funding proposals to support victims of domestic abuse

Published: Wednesday, 27th October 2021

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Funding Proposals to support DA Victims

The Swindon Multi-Agency Domestic Abuse Strategy 2021-2024 sets out how we will work with our partners to address domestic abuse across the Borough.

Swindon Borough Council has been awarded a £430,000 grant as part of the national governments commitment in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 to ensuring that victims who need to escape an abusive relationship have access to safe accommodation and support to enable them to do so.

Our Strategy will now be updated in line with the requirements of the Act – Part 4 the Statutory Housing Duty

In line with the new Duty Swindon Borough Council will be providing a range of measures to support adult and child victims, which have been identified as part of a needs assessment and consultation with victims, including:

  • Additional safe places for victims who cannot access refuge accommodation
  • Access to therapeutic and counselling services for both victims and their children who are living in safe accommodation
  • A Diversity & Inclusion Worker and a Complex Needs Worker to work with victims and families from communities such as BAME, Gypsy & Traveller, LGBTQ+, Older People and those who require additional support that are experiencing issues including  Substance misuse or mental health.
  •  Support staff to work with adult and child victims who are moving on from safe accommodation
  • Increased funding for the Sanctuary Scheme to enable victims and their children to remain in their own home

Any funding that remains at the end of the year will be rolled over into reserve for the continuation of provision.

The updated Strategy will be published on 5th January 2022

Cllr Cathy Martyn, Cabinet Member for Housing & Public Safety said: We recognise the importance of safe accommodation for victims of domestic abuse in giving them a choice, to leave their abuser if they wish. Providing support through intervention, education and counselling alongside the accommodation helps victims to heal and rebuild their lives

This funding enables Swindon Borough Council to increase out  work with partners to support both adult and child victims and survivors of domestic abuse  in tackling domestic abuse.