Domestic violence groups get £2m cash boost

Up to 36 domestic violence research projects will be boosted today by a £2 million cash injection allowing them to transfer their services into mainstream local agencies, the Home Office announced today.

The projects were set up three years ago as temporary projects to research the best ways of cutting domestic violence, rape and sexual assault. Some have identified a local need for services on an ongoing basis and the extra funding will help them work with local agencies to develop their services, or to secure ongoing funding to develop their work.

Home Office Minister Lord Falconer said: "The Government is determined to support victims of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault, and strive to find what works in tackling this pernicious problem.

"The findings from these projects may prove to be invaluable in determining what will really help women to report these crimes, complete a prosecution, how doctors can identify early signs of abuse and how the police could prevent repeat victimisation.

"Domestic violence is an evil crime and we will not tolerate it. The Home Office will shortly publish a consultation paper, setting out proposals to prevent domestic violence, provide increased support to victims and bring more perpetrators to justice."

The Crime Reduction Programme's Violence Against Women projects were set up in July 2000 to look at a range of legal, scientific and social interventions which could have a positive impact in reducing violence against women. The funding announced today will help while they secure alternative funding - or while they mainstream their services into local agencies.

As well as general support and advice, many of the projects focus on developing specific services, including: legal advice; early identification of health risks; and support to keep women and children who are victims of abuse safely in the family home.

The programme initially invested £10.7 million to fund the support, development and evaluation of projects addressing domestic violence, rape and sexual assault.

This additional allocation of £2 million is one element of the £14 million package of funding announced by the Home Secretary in February 2003.

The domestic violence consultation paper was announced in November last year and is expected to be published this summer.

(GMcG)