The PCC for the Thames Valley has awarded over £807k to charities and community interest companies to support them in helping victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
The Ministry of Justice emergency funding has been awarded to 26 organisations across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire to help them adapt their services during the pandemic to enable them to continue to support the needs of victims.
The funding covers costs incurred during the pandemic and anticipated spending from 24th March – 31 October 2020.
Anthony Stansfeld, Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley, said: “During lockdown, organisations across the Thames Valley have worked tirelessly to ensure they continue to support victims. Many have adapted the way they work and invested in technology to reach people remotely. Some have also lost income through their inability to raise funds.
“I am delighted to be able to award this funding to help them support victims during this time. As restrictions begin to ease, it is likely we will see a rise in the number of people seeking support from domestic abuse and sexual violence services and it is vital that this support remains available and accessible to those who need it.”
Funding has been awarded to both small and larger organisations working with victims across the Thames Valley.
Organisations will spend the funding across a range of areas including utilising technology to enable remote working, PPE and cleaning supplies to help deliver face-to-face working as restrictions ease, as well as new programmes of support and staffing costs.
