New government funds to help victims of domestic abuse in Kirklees

Kirklees Council is to receive £918,922 from the government to fund a new duty which will provide support to domestic abuse victims and their children. The extra funding will allow the victims and their children to access life-saving support in safe accommodation such as counselling, therapy and advocacy as well as allowing them to get away from their abusers. 

Across England, councils will receive more than £125million to fund the new duty which was part of the Conservative manifesto commitment at the last election. The funding is part of a wider package of support for victims of rape and domestic abuse, with a £40million funding boost for victim support services announced on 1 February 2021, building on the unprecedented £76 million pledged in May 2020 to ensure vital services including refuges, helplines and counselling remain accessible throughout the pandemic.   

Speaking about the funding, Dewsbury MP Mark Eastwood, Cons said Commenting, Mark Eastwood MP said: “Domestic abuse is a devastating crime that ruins lives, which is why this Conservative Government’s commitment to empowering and protecting victims is so important.”

“The £918,922 announced today for Kirklees Council will ensure that anyone who needs to access safe accommodation and the support services they need to recover and rebuild their lives will be able to do so, and is part of a wider package of support we have put in place for victims of rape and domestic abuse.”

He added “In taking another big step towards helping break the cycle of domestic abuse and protecting some of the most vulnerable in our society, we are transforming our response to victims and will help them move forward with their lives.”

If you, or someone you know, believes they are in domestic abuse relationship, there are lots of charities and organisations that can help:

 Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership

•  0800 052 7222 (24 hour helpline)
•  Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership

 West Yorkshire Police

•  999 (Emergency)
   101 (Non-emergency)
   West Yorkshire Police

 Kirklees & Calderdale Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre

•  01484 450040
•  Kirklees & Calderdale Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre

 National Domestic Violence Helpline

•  0808 2000247
•  Calling the National Domestic Violence Helpline

WomenCentre

•  01484 450866
•  WomenCentre

 Galop (for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people)

•  0800 999 5428
•  Galop

 Men’s Advice Line

•  0808 801 0327
•  Men’s Advice Line

 Rape Crisis (England and Wales)

•  0808 802 9999
•  Rape Crisis