Derbyshire County Council has been successfully awarded a grant of £524,000 to help expand the support for the victims of domestic abuse across the County.

The money is particularly welcome at a time when domestic abuse is liable to increase during the coronavirus pandemic.

The grant is part of a national pot of £15 million to be used to support victims of domestic abuse and their families through the provision of safe accommodation.

The County Council will be providing additional services to support those with the most complex needs such as victims who have sought refuge away from their homes. The grant will also to be used to fund work to reach male victims, those from the black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, LGBT+ people and older victims.

Cllr Carol Hart, DCC’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Heath commented “I want to reassure residents that during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis we’re fully committed to continuing our support for victims of domestic abuse.

“This additional funding is really welcome as it means we can do even more in providing safe accommodation and reaching out to all parts of the community that might be victims of these awful abuses.

“I would urge anyone with concerns for themselves or others to get in touch knowing that no victim of domestic abuse will be turned away from the support they need.”