Kent County Council is getting £3.1 million to provide support to victims of domestic abuse and their children.
This is part of a £125 million fund set up to support local authorities in England with their new obligations to support abuse victims.
The changes are part of our landmark Domestic Abuse Bill, which is currently going through Parliament.
I worked on the draft legislation before the Bill entered Parliament and I know how important these changes will be for victims of rape and domestic abuse.
As part of the Bill, councils will be required to provide support to domestic abuse victims and their children with therapy and safe accommodation, where this is needed.
The Bill is due to come into force later this year, with funding announced in advance so that councils know how much they will receive for these vital services and can plan in advance.
I’m pleased that Kent is getting its share of this new funding.
We’re taking another big step towards helping break the cycle of domestic abuse and protecting some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
These changes, and the funding we’re providing, will transform our response to victims and will help them move forward with their lives.
