Additional Funding Secured for South Yorkshire Victims and Survivors of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence
Following a successful bid by the office of the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, £1,063,656 in funding has been secured from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to provide support for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
In addition, Police and Crime Commissioner, Dr Billings, has committed further funding bringing the total fund to £1,147,565. This amount is based on the allocation of funding for 2022/2023.
This will pay for Independent Domestic Abuse Advisors (IDVA), who will join those already working across South Yorkshire.
It will also fund Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA) in the commissioned service, South Yorkshire Sexual Violence Partnership. The service provides specialist support to adult and child victims and survivors of rape and sexual offences and includes continued support for victims and survivors of Operation Stovewood.
Community based funding will be shared across a number of organisations, providing a range of practical support and counselling that is tailored to support individual needs of victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
The MoJ bid was split into two areas; community based support and additional funding for Independent Domestic and Sexual Abuse Advisors. The funding secured is multi-year and will cover the period 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2025.
Dr Billings said: “I’m pleased that the application made by my office has been successful in securing this funding, which will go towards vital services in South Yorkshire.
“Domestic abuse and sexual violence are serious crimes and I am pleased we can strengthen the support we give to victims in this way.
“The work that IDVAs and ISVAs undertake is often critical if they are to feel supported and come through their ordeal.
“I am also pleased that we have been able to secure funding over a three year period as this gives organisations a measure of certainty and stability
“Two posts will be trained to support victims and survivors of Gypsy Roma Traveller communities and one post will provide dedicated support to disabled victims and survivors, ensuring that any victim of domestic abuse and sexual violence will receive the care they need.”
