£2.2 million to boost Gloucestershire’s domestic abuse support services
New funding is aiming to strengthen the help available for victims and survivors
New funding is being invested to support victims of domestic abuse across Gloucestershire.
The County Council’s Cabinet will deliberate on proposals to allocate the government’s Domestic Abuse Duty Funding along with previously unspent grant money for domestic abuse services running until 2032.
The funding, amounting to £2.2 million, aims to fortify the collaboration between the council and its partners, ensuring a cohesive response to domestic abuse in the county.
How the funds will be utilised
The financial boost is intended to uphold ongoing support within safe accommodations as provided by the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS).
Funding will also extend to the county's Places of Safety dispersed accommodation scheme, which prioritises trauma and wellbeing support for the affected children and young individuals.
Moreover, it will sustain dedicated staffing to improve coordination of domestic abuse efforts across partner organisations.
This allocation builds on the established framework of services currently active through previous domestic abuse funding efforts in Gloucestershire.
Existing initiatives have successfully enabled victims to access safe accommodations, receive specialist support and advice, and have enhanced partnership collaborations.
Council’s commitment to addressing domestic abuse
Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities and Fire, underlined the importance of these services.
"Domestic abuse can have a devastating impact on victims, survivors and their families, and it is vital that people can access help when they need it most," Hodgkinson said.
"This funding enables us and our partners to continue providing a strong network of support across Gloucestershire, including specialist services for people needing safe accommodation and dedicated support for children and young people affected by domestic abuse."
Hodgkinson emphasised that having already seen the positive shift these services can bring, the investment will ensure ongoing availability of assistance for those in need, while allowing continuous service evolution in response to local demand and experiences.