Bristol will be receiving more than £1m to tackle domestic abuse and offer support to survivors such as therapy, advocacy, and counselling in safe accommodation away from abusers.
Deputy mayor, Cllr Asher Craig, said: ‘Domestic abuse affects many people and has far-reaching and lifelong consequences, and tackling it remains a top priority.
‘We have responded to a significant rise in victims reaching out for support during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the funding means that we can continue and improve the support available, to get them and their families the specialist support they need.
‘Over the last year we have been working with a range of partners including Next Link, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and SARSAS on a Mayoral Commission on Domestic Abuse.’
Last summer, the council, on behalf of the Keeping Bristol Safe Partnership, launched the Are you OK? campaign to encourage people who are at risk of domestic abuse to access support services.
The campaign highlights how to spot signs for concern and asks citizens to consider whether friends, family and neighbours could be struggling or at risk.
Ivan Powell, chair of the Keeping Bristol Safe Partnership, said: ‘Our priority is to make sure the most vulnerable in the city are protected from harm.
‘We do not want to see anyone living in fear, and this funding enables us to continue to work hard with our partners to make sure people are safe.’
The Keeping Bristol Safe Partnership website has information available for anyone who may be experiencing domestic abuse or looking to find help for their loved ones. The police should be called if anyone is in immediate danger.
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