The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government have granted Gloucestershire County Council funding to help the council meet new statutory duties arising from the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 to provide accommodation based support to victims of domestic abuse and their children in refuges and other safe accommodation.

The Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board (LPB) which was formed in May this year, recommended a number of options where the funding could make the most difference to supporting victims. These include additional support in Places of Safety and Stroud Beresford Refuge, support in new Dispersed Refuge units and flexible funding, mobile advocacy and floating support. This investment will enhance the current support offer already available in Gloucestershire which includes: core services for victims of domestic abuse; services to address perpetrator behaviour; services for young people (13-19) and support for victims of stalking.

In addition to convening a Local Partnership Board, the council must also assess the need for accommodation-based domestic abuse support in the county for all victims and their children, including those who are seeking refuge from outside Gloucestershire; and to develop and publish a strategy for the provision of this support. These are already underway and GCC has been asking residents, particularly those who have experienced domestic abuse, for their views on support available in the county and how this can be improved. The results from the survey will inform the development of the strategy.

Councillor Kathy Williams, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care delivery said: 

"Domestic abuse causes harm to not only the victims, but their families too. This extra funding is going to help more victims get the support they need, when they need it.

"Domestic abuse will not be tolerated and it is so important that anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse is able to seek support."

If you or someone you know is experiencing or is affected by domestic abuse, please contact Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service on 01452 726 570 or go to www.gdass.org.uk for advice and support.