Tate brothers’ crime proceeds to tackle violence against women in Devon and Cornwall
Grassroots groups will be able to apply for small grants over the next three years
Grassroots groups in Devon and Cornwall will be able to apply for £525,000 in small grants to tackle violence against women and girls, using money recovered from Andrew and Tristan Tate.
Cornwall Community Foundation, Devon Community Foundation and Devon & Cornwall Police have announced a new partnership to deliver the funding over the next three years.
The money comes from a civil forfeiture order relating to the brothers, which Devon & Cornwall Police pursued under the Proceeds of Crime Act at the end of 2024.
According to the announcement, most of the money from the civil case was returned to the Treasury.
A landmark ruling saw more than £1m given back to the force.
Devon & Cornwall Police, in consultation with the Police and Crime Commissioner, chose to use it to support action against violence against women and girls.
What the grants will pay for
Small grants will be available across Devon and North Cornwall for grassroots groups.
They will support work that promotes cultural change around violence against women and girls and increases safety for women and girls.
The grants will also support adult and child survivors and help prevent harmful attitudes among young people.
The programme expands on a pilot that Devon Community Foundation has managed for the last two years.
That pilot was run with the Sedel-Collings Foundation, the Royal British Legion and Plymouth City Council.
It enabled community-based organisations to deliver trauma-informed interventions for women, girls and families.
Just over £109,000 went to small grassroots groups, in grants of around £5,000 each.
What has been said
Chief Constable James Vaughan, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with Cornwall Community Foundation and Devon Community Foundation to ensure this funding reaches the grassroots organisations making a real difference in our communities."
Mary Hancock, chief executive of Devon Community Foundation, said: "Local charities and community groups are often best placed to understand the challenges facing women and girls and to provide the support they need.
"Through this programme, we can help these organisations deliver vital interventions, reach those who might otherwise fall through the gaps and build safer, stronger communities.
"It is particularly powerful that money recovered through the proceeds of crime can now be reinvested in work that helps prevent violence and makes a positive difference to the lives of women and girls across Devon and Cornwall."
Tamas Haydu, chief executive of Cornwall Community Foundation, said: "Violence against women and girls is an issue that affects lives and communities across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and tackling it requires long-term commitment and collective action.
"We are incredibly proud to be working alongside Devon & Cornwall Police and Devon Community Foundation. We know first-hand the incredible work being done by grassroots organisations across our communities to prevent violence, and support women and girls affected by it. These organisations are often a lifeline for those who need them most.
"We're delighted that this new funding will allow us to extend that support even further."