Funding to help domestic abuse survivors

Money to help protect survivors of domestic abuse and make them feel safer has been secured by Ashfield District Council.

The authority has been given £34,397 as part of the nationwide Sanctuary Scheme which supports survivors of domestic abuse to remain living in their own homes, through increased security and other measures.

It works for survivors who wish to stay in their own home, where it is their choice, where it is safe to do so and where the perpetrator no longer lives within the accommodation.

Ashfield District Council will use the money to improve safety and prevent unauthorised access, by installing security measures inside a property. These include safe rooms, new locks, stronger doors, security lights, and portable police alarms.

The Council is White Ribbon accredited meaning the authority has high standards when it comes to responding to domestic abuse and are working towards achieving ‘Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance’ Accreditation.

Ashfield District Council’s CEO and Chair of the Ashfield Community Safety Partnership, Theresa Hodgkinson, said:

“Sadly, domestic abuse and violence continues to affect far too many people, predominantly women and girls, and we remain determined to do whatever we can to help those who suffer.

“The Sanctuary Scheme has already helped dozens of domestic abuse survivors across Ashfield feel safer and more secure in their own homes and this funding will enable that work to continue.”

Tackling violence against women and girls is an ADC priority as part of the authority’s aim to create a safer and stronger Ashfield for all. The District has two dedicated Domestic Abuse workers who have supported over 100 domestic abuse survivors over the past year.

The Council works in partnership with domestic abuse charities in the area who co-locate from Ashfield District Council’s offices in Kirkby-In-Ashfield, alongside Nottinghamshire Police and other agencies.