Lincolnshire is set for a funding boost of £1,454,133 from central government for extra support for victims of domestic abuse and their children from April.

The extra funding will help victims and their children in our county access life-saving support in safe accommodation, including advocacy, counselling, and therapy in safe locations such as refuges or specialist safe accommodation, where victims and their children can go to get away from their abusers.

Overall, some £125 million will be going to councils across the country.

This funding is part of a wider package of Government support for victims of rape and domestic abuse, with a £40 million funding boost for victim support services announced on 1 February 2021, building on the unprecedented £76 million pledged in May 2020 to ensure vital services including refuges, helplines and counselling remain accessible throughout the pandemic.

Last month, the Government also launched the 'Ask for ANI' codeword scheme, which provides victims of domestic abuse access to immediate help from the police or other support services from their local pharmacy.

The Government says it is determined to support vulnerable people throughout the pandemic, and is working closely with councils, charities and other partners to ensure they get the support they need.

The funding has been welcomed by Grantham and Stamford MP Gareth Davies.

He said: "Domestic abuse is a devastating crime that ruins lives, which is why the Government's commitment to empowering and protecting victims is so important.

"The £1,454,133 announced today for Lincolnshire will ensure that anyone who needs to access safe accommodation and the support services they need to recover and rebuild their lives will be able to do so, and is part of a wider package of support we have put in place for victims of rape and domestic abuse.

"In taking another big step towards helping break the cycle of domestic abuse and protecting some of the most vulnerable in our society, we are transforming our response to victims and will help them move forward with their lives."