Council helps secure almost £400,000 for domestic abuse survivors

Cheshire East Council and its key partners have secured £398,000 to boost support for survivors of domestic abuse.

The cash injection will be used to set up and fund a dedicated domestic abuse accommodation partnership across Cheshire and Warrington.

This will make it possible for case workers to identify appropriate accommodation to safely house vulnerable people so they can once again become independent and rebuild their confidence.

It is estimated that councils support 800 survivors per year across the region and it is believed that a further 162 had previously not been housed, due to complications stemming from their abusive and violent relationships.

The initiative will include funding specialised trauma recovery training, funding a new refuge as well as individual housing units to ensure the investment is making a difference to as many survivors as possible across the region. It includes an extensive training programme for 20-plus practitioners, including existing Independent domestic violence advocates, probation officers and refuge workers.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, leader of Cheshire East Council and representative on the Cheshire and Warrington sub-regional leaders’ board, said: “The consequences of domestic abuse are devastating and experienced by the whole family and the wider community. The impact felt by victims is not just mental, emotional and physical but also social and financial.   

“This funding will make it possible to protect more people and house them in a safe and comfortable environment, so they can make a full recovery. This money will also enable us, together with our partners across the region, to support more survivors for longer, making a positive difference and lasting impact.”

This work is in line with strict National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance and will enable the council and its partners to have a clear evidence-based trauma recovery service across the region.

The partnership includes Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council and Warrington and Halton councils, as well as Cheshire police, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire.

If you are affected by domestic abuse or concerned for someone else, please call 0300 123 5101 at anytime or visit: www.openthedoorcheshire.org.uk or in an emergency always call 999.