Life-saving services for domestic abuse victims and their children have been given a £141k funding boost.
Croydon Council has been awarded £141,996 by government to continue its work keeping those experiencing domestic abuse and their children safe. The money will also be used to support Croydon FJC’s work with victims in their recovery from the trauma and to access safe, permanent rehousing where needed.
In Croydon, there are a number of specialist services used to help keep people safe from domestic abuse, including the innovative Drive Project. This aims to reduce offending and increase the safety of victims and their families by holding perpetrators to account and challenging them to change, to reduce and prevent repeat abuse and increase victim and survivors’ safety.
As part of the Drive Project, Bromley and Croydon Women’s Aid (BCWA) offer a service for six to 12 year-olds which offers up to 12 one-to-one sessions to help improve children’s understanding of who they can trust and talk to about what they are experiencing at home and who to contact both inside and outside of the family, if they are feeling unsafe.
Councillor Hamida Ali, cabinet member for safer Croydon and communities
“This is important funding for Croydon. Tackling domestic abuse is part of our public health approach to tackling all forms of violence and is a top priority for this council and funding boosts like this contribute to ensuring the vital services we provide are available to those experiencing domestic violence whenever they need them.
“Domestic abuse devastates lives and these vital services, which provide life changing support for victims and their children alike, will help us better protect those affected by this horrendous crime.”
Anyone affected by domestic abuse should contact the FJC on 0208 688 0100, email fjc@croydon.gov.uk or call the National Domestic Violence Helpline (open 24/7) on 0808 2000 247. In an emergency always call 999.