UK Government announces major funding boost for victims

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, has welcomed the UK Government’s announcement of a £40million funding boost for services that support victims of rape and domestic abuse.

The funding package, which will be available from April, comes as charities and support services report a huge surge in requests for support since the first national lockdown in 2020.

It includes:

• £20.7 million to support for community-based sexual violence and domestic abuse services.
• £16 million to recruit more independent sexual violence and domestic abuse advisers.
• £2 million for specialist organisations helping BAME, LGBTQ+ or disabled victims.
• £1.3 million for remote and online services.
  
  

Jeff Cuthbert said: “We have been warning the UK Government about the pressures victim support services are facing during lockdown for some time and I am pleased that they are listening to our concerns and those of our partners.

“This funding will give a much-needed boost to those services which are working with some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“Gwent Police and support services here in Gwent continue to provide an essential service to victims but we know that these appalling crimes are going under reported during lockdown. If you have been a victim then please speak out and report it. Help is available.

“We will be working closely with our partners over the coming weeks to help ensure that support services here in Gwent are able to access their fair share of the funding.”

Victims can report incidents to Gwent Police via their Facebook page, 101 or calling 999 in an emergency.

Help is also available through dedicated sexual abuse and sexual violence support services.

New Pathways provides rape crisis and sexual abuse support services, and specialist services for child victims of sexual abuse.

Website: www.newpathways.org.uk
Email: enquiries@newpathways.org.uk
Phone: 01685 379 310

Cyfannol Women’s Aid provide domestic abuse and sexual violence support services across Gwent.

Website: https://cyfannol.org.uk
Phone: 01495 742052

Connect Gwent victims’ hub offers a wide range of support and you do not have to have reported a crime to the police to access these services.

Website: www.umbrellacymru.co.uk/connect-gwent
Email: connectgwent@gwent.pnn.police.uk
Phone: 0300 123 2133