Victims of domestic violence in Gloucestershire will soon have access to a greater network of support, thanks to a successful funding application by Gloucestershire's Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has confirmed that Gloucestershire will receive £469,363 to fund two independent sexual violence advisors (ISVAs) and five independent domestic violence advisors (IDVAs) over the next two years.

This is in addition to two ISVA posts also secured by the office in 2020, totalling £597,950 of investment to support domestic abuse and sexual violence in the county.

The latest roles will include two posts dedicated to supporting young people.

Kirsten Fruin, OPCC commissioning manager, said: "2020 was a tough year for many families who weren't safe at home. Sadly, we saw the risk of domestic abuse and sexual violence increasing due to lockdown, so funding this additional support is incredibly important.

"I'm glad the MoJ recognised the value of our bid. This money will fund seven new posts, which will help hundreds of victims and survivors across the county."

Martin Surl, Gloucestershire's Police and Crime Commissioner, whose term of office ends at midnight today (12th May), said he felt proud that this was one of his final achievements: "An increase in sexual and domestic abuse in the home has been one of the country's main concerns throughout the pandemic. Add to that the very real fears expressed by women following the death of Sarah Everard, it was essential that we secured this funding for local victims and survivors who have shown the courage to come forward.

"The commissioning team in my office works tirelessly to seek funding and support for victims, and I'm delighted they were able to secure such a successful bid."

Nationally, the Ministry of Justice released £16 million pounds of funding to support victims across the country. Following the tragic murder of Sarah Everard in March 2021, a further £11 million of funding was released, bringing the national pot to £27 million.