Council receives cash to help domestic abuse sufferers

We have received almost £100,000 from the Government to support victims and survivors of domestic violence.

Domestic abuse is a devastating crime. In Swindon last year, more than 5,000 incidents were reported to Wiltshire Police.

This £99,995 cash injection will allow us to:

• Provide a dedicated resettlement worker who will offer practical and emotional support to victims when they move into their new home
• Employ a specialist social work therapeutic practitioner to work with victims and their children to help break the cycle of domestic abuse
• Increase the number of recovery groups for adults, children and young people who have been victims of domestic abuse

We already commission Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service (SDASS) to provide support to victims of domestic abuse, and this funding will allow us provide much needed additional therapeutic support.

Councillor Cathy Martyn, Cabinet Member for Housing and Public Safety, said: “I welcome this funding which will go a long way towards tackling domestic abuse in Swindon.

“Nobody should have to struggle to get the right support or wait months for the help they need. We will ensure that domestic violence is tackled properly and that better support services are in place for people who need them.”

If you need help because of domestic abuse, you can contact the Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service 24 Hour helpline on 01793 610610.