THE Bradford district is set to receive over £1.3 million worth of government funding to help support victims of domestic abuse and their children.

The district will receive a total of £1,381,565, which will aim to help victims and their children access safe accommodation, as well as advocacy, counselling, and therapy in safe locations.

Under a new duty, councils will be required to provide support to domestic abuse victims and their children within safe accommodation services, where needs have been identified.

It will come into force later this year with the passage of the landmark Domestic Abuse Bill, with funding announced in advance so local authorities know how much they will receive for these vital services and can start to plan.

In total, councils across England will receive £125 million worth of funding.

This funding is part of a wider package of support for victims of rape and domestic abuse, with a £40 million funding boost for victim support services announced on 1 February, building on the unprecedented £76 million pledged in May 2020 to ensure vital services - including refuges, helplines and counselling - remain accessible throughout the pandemic. 

In January, the Government also launched the ‘Ask for ANI’ codeword scheme, which provides victims of domestic abuse access to immediate help from the police or other support services from their local pharmacy.

Commenting, Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore said: “Domestic abuse is a devastating crime that ruins lives, which is why this government’s commitment to empowering and protecting victims is so important.

“The £1,381,565 announced today for the Bradford district will ensure that anyone across Keighley and Ilkley who needs to access safe accommodation and the support services they need to recover and rebuild their lives will be able to do so, and is part of a wider package of support we have put in place for victims of rape and domestic abuse.

“In taking another big step towards helping break the cycle of domestic abuse and protecting some of the most vulnerable in our society, we are transforming our response to victims and will help them move forward with their lives.”

Also commenting, Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing, Eddie Hughes MP, said: “Domestic abuse is a heinous crime which threatens the lives of victims in their own homes where they should feel safe. So it’s right that we’re giving victims support in safe accommodation and providing councils with money to deliver essential services that will help them and their children rebuild their lives.

“This is part of a long-term strategy to provide broader support for domestic abuse victims, both in safe accommodation like refuges and in their homes.”