Cherilyn Mackrory, Member of Parliament for Truro and Falmouth, has welcomed the announcement from Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP this week, that Cornwall Council will be receiving £194,000 funding as part of a £16.6million pound scheme to help fund domestic abuse refuge services.
This follows new plans to ensure every council provides essential, life-saving support from next year and is part of a wider government drive to bolster protection for survivors of domestic abuse, including the landmark Domestic Abuse Bill which is due to be reintroduced shortly
Seventy-five projects across England will share over £16 million, helping up to 43,000 survivors have access to the help they need as they move towards a safe future, free from domestic abuse.
Cherilyn said:
“Domestic abuse is a devastating crime which shatters the lives of over two million survivors and their families every year.”
“There is already excellent work being done to support survivors of domestic abuse and their families across Cornwall, and I look forward to this £194,000 funding coming forward, and working with Cornwall Council to ensure it enhances the support for those who need it as soon as possible.”
Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick MP, said:
“Domestic abuse destroys lives and leaves victims living in fear in their own homes – the place where they should feel most safe and secure.”
“No victim of domestic abuse should have to struggle to get the right support, or wait months for help that they need. This new funding of £16.6 million will help local areas better protect victims and their children and provide essential life-saving services, delivering the urgent support that they need to rebuild their lives.”
This announcement follows the confirmation of a new legal duty which will create a consistent approach to accommodation-based support for domestic abuse victims across England. This will help all families recover and overcome their experiences, regardless of where they live.
In addition, the Domestic Abuse Bill being reintroduced to the House shortly will bring about the first ever statutory government definition of domestic abuse to specifically include economic abuse and controlling and manipulative non-physical abuse.
The Bill will also establish a new Domestic Abuse Commissioner and prohibit the cross-examination of victims by their abusers in the family courts.
This action will help more people understand domestic abuse and ensure those that need support can access it, whilst staying safe and protected from future abuse.