In February 2021, it was announced that the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) would be providing an additional £40million to victim support services during 2021/22.
This funding was to focus on areas that have been hit hardest by the pandemic.
Data provided from services via by Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) showed the following:
- Demand for sexual violence (SV) and domestic abuse (DA) support services has increased significantly;
- Due to issues throughout the criminal justice system, many victims require greater and longer support through the CJS;
- Small specialist services have found it hard to build capacity and pivot the infrastructure of their services;
- The picture varies across local areas; we know there are ‘hotspots’ with particular need.
£12m funding is being provided for Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (IDVAs) and Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) during 2021/22.
This funding is for two years until end March 2023 (subject to MoJ confirmation after year 1)
Cleveland OPCC submitted an expression of interest to this fund and was successful in being awarded £876,034 over the two year period (12.6 Full Time Equivalents).
This funding has been allocated as follows:
- Arch Teesside – £129,984
- Harbour – £344,145
- My Sisters Place – £155,457
- Foundation – £192,448
- Eva – £54,000