Extra £635k of funding for domestic abuse and sexual violence victims in Wiltshire
This is in addition to the previous funding announced
Last updated 14th Jul 2022
Nearly £635,000 worth of funding will be used to support victims of domestic abuse in Wiltshire over the next three years.
The services, which will also help sexual violence victims, will be boosted by £211,000 a year.
This money is in addition to the previous funding of £180,000 for specialist IDVA and ISVA roles announced last month.
Earlier last month, the county's PCC also renewed £3.7m funding over the next seven years for specialist support services which help victims of serious sexual assault receive appropriate urgent medical care and access to crisis support counselling and, if they choose, forensic examination to provide evidence to assist police in a criminal investigation.
Wiltshire Police say the full breakdown of how this money will be spent has not been finalised yet.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, Philip Wilkinson said:
“It is vitally important my office ensures services which are there for victims and survivors in Wiltshire have the money they need to provide to best possible support.
“That’s why this extra funding is so important as it means service providers can have the confidence to make plans knowing that the funding will last over a longer term.
“Improving the experience for victims, as well as providing vital support, is one of the priorities of my Police and Crime Plan. After seeing the work of the SARC and organisations such as Splitz and Swindon’s Women’s Aid, I’m hopeful this money will help them to do more - and ensure support services are available at the precise point they are needed by victims, children and vulnerable people.”
It comes just after a report was published by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary placing Wiltshire Police into "special measures".
As part of this, the inspection found that some domestic abuse victims in Wiltshire have received an unacceptable level of service and have continued to remain at risk.
Claire Marshall, Splitz Support Service Chief Executive, said:
"This funding gives the team at Splitz Support Service the opportunity to enhance the service we provide to people dealing with domestic abuse and sexual violence.
"Our referrals have doubled since the pandemic which shows the sheer volume of people needing our help and these new posts will go help us and our partners support more people than ever before."
The Sexual Assault Referral Centre has also been recommissioned by the OPCC on behalf of partners and is a result of money invested by the OPCC and Wiltshire Police, alongside the NHS.
Mr Wilkinson said:
"All of these funding bids add up to a substantial sum of extra funding being bought into the county to help victims, to help support them and also help to try and prevent harm from happening again.
"All of these elements combine to ensure my office is co-ordinating a comprehensive package of funding and support for victims of serious sexual assault, domestic abuse and children exposed to harm and violence."