Rotherham Council is set to almost double its annual Domestic Abuse budget and provide more services to victims and survivors.
As part of the proposals, five more Council homes in different parts of the borough will be set aside for use by families leaving abusive relationships, together with 50% more refuge spaces and other homeless support.
More dedicated Domestic Abuse support posts will be created, to support partnership working across Police, Council, Health, voluntary sector and other services, alongside a communications campaign to reach out to more victims about the support available and how to safely access it.
Rotherham Council has been allocated £618,000 in Government funding this year to help deliver new statutory requirements in the Domestic Abuse Act. This will be added to the £839,000 the Council already spends each year to tackle domestic abuse, through a combination of in-house and commissioned services through Rotherham Rise.
Councillor Saghir Alam, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Community Safety & Finance at Rotherham Council, said: “Domestic Abuse is a serious but often hidden problem in our communities. Recent lockdowns and the impact of the pandemic has exacerbated the issue further, so this funding and the new measures we are proposing are both timely and much-needed.
“Nobody should have to put up with domestic abuse or suffer in silence. If you are a victim or suspect someone you know is, please report it – help is available, no matter what the circumstances.”
Councillor Victoria Cusworth, who leads on the Council's Domestic Abuse Strategy, added: "The need for additional refuge space and alternatives to refuge spaces are extremely important for people leaving abusive relationships. I am proud that Rotherham Council is already working cross directorate and with our partners but there is always more to do. Abuse takes many forms and is often complex, however, it is simply not acceptable and this additional funding will help deliver that message and provide support for those who need it.”
Local support for people suffering domestic abuse is available from Rotherham Rise by calling 0330 2020 571 or by calling the national 24hr helpline on 0808 2000 247
Councillors will consider the plans for the additional funding and extension of services at the Cabinet meeting on 16 August.
