New support for domestic abuse survivors in Coventry
£6.7 million will help improve specialist support for women experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence
Women in Coventry facing domestic abuse and sexual violence are set to receive additional specialist support through their GP under a new NHS programme.
Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board is one of 12 organisations in England chosen to take part in the first phase of the Steps to Safety programme.
The scheme will allow GPs and local health services to refer victims and survivors directly to specialist domestic abuse and sexual violence services.
A joint bid between Coventry and Warwickshire ICB and Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICB has secured £6.7 million – the largest amount awarded in the first phase. A further £87,849 from the Victims Support Fund will also help strengthen local specialist services.
The programme aims to create a “no wrong front door” system, meaning people can be quickly connected to specialist support wherever they first ask for help.
It will also help NHS staff identify abuse earlier, as health services can often be one of the first places where victims feel able to speak about their experiences.
The wider £49.4 million investment is part of the Government’s Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, which aims to halve violence against women and girls within a decade.
Mary Creagh, MP for Coventry East, said: "For many victims, a GP appointment is the first, sometimes the only, safe moment to ask for help.
"Steps to Safety recognises this and provides greater support. Now, a single conversation with a doctor or nurse can lead straight to the specialist support someone needs.
"I'm pleased that Coventry and Warwickshire ICB has been chosen to lead the way on this national programme. This £6.7 million allocation will help services in our city reach more survivors, and sooner."