Council affirms commitment to tackling domestic abuse

This fund will allow domestic abuse survivors, who do not have the financial means to leave their abusers, to apply for a one-off payment of up to £500 for essential items such as groceries, nappies or support with new accommodation to help them and their children flee to safety.     

For the first time, survivors will also be able to apply for a further one-off payment of up to £2,500 to help secure a sustainable independent future, such as putting down a deposit for rental accommodation. 

This funding is delivered through referrals of services that have a specialist understanding of domestic abuse.

Councillor Mark Slater, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Tenants and Those in Housing Need, said: "Domestic abuse is a horrific crime and I welcome this financial support for survivors who are often forced to leave their home with very little in the way of possessions or money."

This council recently published a corporate statement setting out its stance on all potential domestic abuse risks related to its work and the steps it has put in place to help ensure the best possible outcomes for survivors. The statement, and further information on the council's work to stop domestic abuse, can be viewed at www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/DASupport

Councillor Slater added: "We are committed to helping tackle domestic abuse and supporting survivors. To that end, we introduced a dedicated domestic abuse policy for Homes First that provides a framework for the support we offer and the council's statement sets out our robust position and the measures we are taking to combat this scourge on society."

For more information on referrals for Women's Aid funding visit www.changegrowlive.org/domestic-abuse-service-east-sussex/info

Published on February 13, 2024.

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