News that Derbyshire County Council has been given a cash boost of £523,497 by the Government to provide essential, life-saving support for survivors of domestic abuse and their children, has been welcomed by Robert Largan, Member of Parliament for High Peak, who believes it will make a real difference to the lives of those in the most vulnerable situations.

As part of a wider Government drive to bolster protection for survivors of domestic abuse, Derbyshire is one of 75 councils across England that will share over £16 million, helping up to 43,000 survivors have access to the help they need as they move towards a safe future, free from domestic abuse. 

The new funding awarded to the council will enable victims and their children to stay safe, recover from the trauma, and access safe permanent rehousing where needed.

High Peak MP Robert Largan welcomed the funding by saying:

“Domestic abuse is a devastating crime which shatters lives and leaves victims living in fear in their own homes – the place where they should feel most safe and secure.

“No victim of domestic abuse should have to struggle to get the right help, and this significant cash boost of more than half a million pounds means more support can be given to those in Derbyshire who are fleeing from abusive relationships.”

This funding comes in anticipation of the Government’s Domestic Abuse Bill, which will shortly be brought back into law. It will mean that, for the first time, any lawful definition of domestic violence will also include economic abuse and controlling and manipulative non-physical abuse.

The Bill will also establish a new Domestic Abuse Commissioner, which should prohibit the cross-examination of victims by their alleged abusers in family court. 

Robert added: “These measures will help more people understand domestic abuse and ensure those that need support can access it, whilst staying safe and protected from future abuse.”