Funding to provide additional support to victims of domestic violence

Dr Alan Billings, the county’s police and crime commissioner, successfully bid for the support from the Ministry of Justice.

The £1.064 million grant will be combined with almost £84,000 from the commissioner’s own budget to pay for Independent Domestic Abuse Advisors (IDVAs), who will join those already working across South Yorkshire.

It will also fund Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) working for the 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, the ongoing National Crime Agency investigation into child sexual exploitation in Rotherham.

The PCC’s office said community-based funding would 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”.

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.”