By Leah Conway –
The funding was allocated from Ministry of Justice funding, which will enable Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, to provide or commission further emotional and practical support services for victims of crime.
The money has been shared between 22 different service providers in the region. This includes 15 voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations as well as five local authorities and two hospital trusts.
Specialist support
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “This money will ensure that we can provide around 50 different support roles and services for victims and survivors of crime across West Yorkshire.
“Specialist support services for female, male, children, young people including those from Black and Minority Ethnic communities and those with complex needs will be funded.
“We take a victim centred approach in West Yorkshire and this money ensures the crucial work we are doing with our commissioned groups can continue.
“It strengthens the work we are doing at our Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) facility and will see victims and survivors receiving an enhanced level of support moving forward.
“Alongside the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe, I will continue to work with police, partner agencies, victims and survivors ensure we delivers for those who are most vulnerable, putting them at the heart of our response.”
How the funding makes an impact
The funding will benefit various services throughout West Yorkshire, including over £1 million funding for Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVA) and Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVA). The organisation provide essential specialist assistance for those who have experienced domestic abuse and sexual violence.
Additionally, Victim Support and Restorative Solutions have also received funding both supporting and empowering victims and witnesses of crime.
Funding has also been received by Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) to support them in providing victim and survivor support services.
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