WILTSHIRE COUNCIL has set out how it will spent £800,000 to support the victims of domestic abuse and their children. 

The local authority was awarded £830,051 as part of a national commitment to ensure victims can report their abusers with confidence.

On Tuesday, September 14 the cabinet will be asked to approve the range of measures, including:

  • Additional counselling support for adults accessing refuge and places of safety
  • Therapeutic support across refuge and places of safety, including play therapy for children and arts and mindfulness for adults
  • Additional staff to help victims and their families who are moving on
  • Engagement work with communities such a LGBTQ+ male victims, gypsy and traveller groups to better understand domestic abuse and enable them to access appropriate support
  • Provision of additional support needs at an early intervention level
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) intervention to support change in mood, anxiety and stress
  • Specialist substance misuse support worker to support victims who are also experiencing a range of other issues
  • Provision of a sanctuary scheme to support victims and their families to stay safely in their own homes

The proposals have been put forward following a local assessment of health needs and feedback from domestic abuse victims.

Cabinet member for public health and protection, Simon Jacobs said: “Domestic abuse has no place in our society and yet it is still out there – blighting and destroying the lives of many and having a terrible impact not only on the victim but family members as well.

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”If agreed there will be swift actions to bring about these initiatives which we know will help those who need our help the most.”

Any cash from the MHCLG not spent in the 2021/22 financial year will be rolled over and used to continue the work, the council says.