The Police and Crime Commissioner has provided a financial contribution to each Local Authority Community Safety Partnership (CSP) towards Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) provision since 2012.
IDVAs provide a range of options to improve the safety of victims and their families, offering information and support, crisis intervention, safety planning, advocacy and practical and emotional support to enable victims to make positive changes, reduce risk and minimise repeat victimisation.
During 2019/20 following discussion with partners it was agreed that the PCC would directly grant fund the Local Authority Commissioned Domestic Abuse Services to support and add value to the commissioned service through increasing IDVA provision.
Future OPCC Commissioning intentions for Domestic Abuse post 2019/20 were going to be shared ahead of 2020/21, due to COVID-19 these proposals have been put on hold in order to focus on effectively supporting services through these unique and challenging times.
To ensure continuity of IDVA provision funding awarded to services in 2019/20 (set out below) will continue for a further 12 months from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021.
- Harbour Support Service – £60,000 (delivering in Hartlepool and Stockton)
- Foundation UK – £30,000 (delivering in Redcar)
- My Sisters Place – £30,000 (delivering in Middlesbrough)