£50,000 to help victims of domestic abuse in Telford
Victims of domestic abuse and their children who live in Telford will receive community-based support under a new £50,000 plan.
Telford & Wrekin Council has put aside the money following a change in the council's finances and a tax rebate.
The council says the funding recognises the serious and long lasting impact this type of abuse has on families.
The strategy centres on improving local services and pathways so that the right support is provided to everyone affected.
This is being done by working in partnership with West Mercia Police, Telford & Wrekin Safeguarding Children Board, Telford & Wrekin Safeguarding Adults Board, the Safer Telford & Wrekin Partnership and the Health & Wellbeing Board.
Councillor Rae Evans, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for Partnerships, said: “Following approval of the strategy in December, we are currently developing our service and support offer.
Effective
“We believe that survivors of domestic abuse, who are experts with lived experience, will deliver the most effective support working alongside professionals.
“As a result, conversations are taking place with professionals and community groups to understand their desire to help victims and their families.
“I am delighted that the cabinet has prioritised funding for community-based support for domestic abuse and this investment can only help. I am also very proud that Telford is a White Ribbon Town, supporting the national campaign against male violence against women.”
Nationally one in four women experience domestic abuse at some point in their lives but only 35 per cent of domestic violence incidents are reported to the police.
On average high risk victims live with domestic abuse for 2.3 years before getting help and 85 per cent of victims seek help on average five times before they get effective support to stop the abuse.
