Devon police and commissioner welcomes domestic abuse funds

Victims can still escape during lockdown

Devon and Cornwall's police and crime commissioner has reminded victims of domestic violence they can still flee during lockdown.

Alison Hernandez has reminded victims of their freedom to seek refuge as she welcomed this week’s budget announcement that a further £19 million would be made available to help them.

Services for people who have experienced domestic abuse have reported soaring demand during lockdown which has often trapped those affected  with perpetrators.

Chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak has made £15 million available for schemes which attempt to stop perpetrators of domestic abuse from harming their victims. An extra £4 million will help homeless women who have suffered from domestic abuse get specialist help in respite rooms.

It hasn't been disclosed how much of that cash will come to Devon and Cornwall, nor how it will be distributed.

Ms Hernandez commissioned additional services at the start of the first lockdown for victims of crime in Devon and Cornwall Police. These included a 24-hour Victim Support live webchat service and a helpline for teachers supporting children with trauma caused by domestic abuse.

“Domestic abuse can take many forms and the trauma and distress is causes cannot be underestimated,” she said. “I hope this additional funding reassures them that there the funding and services are in place to help perpetrators and victims. We just need them to reach out to us. It is important to remember that while the advice is to stay at home, anyone who is at risk of, or experiencing, domestic abuse, is still able to leave and seek refuge.”

Domestic abuse is a crime and should be reported to police via the 101 webchat, email or telephone services, or 999 in an emergency.

The victim care unit is on 01392 475900 or online at victimcaredevonandcornwall.org.uk whether or not a crime has been reported.

Victim Support can be reached by calling 08081689111 or online at www.victimsupport.org.uk.