Vital funding secured for domestic abuse and sexual violence services in Norfolk

25 June 2020

Nearly £250,000 worth of funding has been secured for organisations across the county to help and support victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence during the pandemic. The ‘extraordinary Covid-19’ fund has been released by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and will be managed and distributed by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk (OPCCN). Earlier this month the OPCCN invited relevant services to bid for a chunk of the £306,000 national funding allocated to Norfolk. Some 10 organisations have now proven successful by meeting the required criteria, and a total of £249,819 will be distributed from today. The Magdalene Group (provides support for women and young people at risk of sexual exploitation.) £40,468 to assist with transformation/deep cleaning of office space to allow for social distancing, PPE and ICT provision. The money will also increase functionality of digital/media platforms at the Project and assist with additional staff cost to support clients. Suzi Heybourne, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be recipients of the Justice COVID-19 Extraordinary Fund which will allow us to meet the increased needs of the most vulnerable and hidden women in our society during this challenging time. The fund will allow us to continue to support and advocate for the women who access our Doorway Women’s Services by building trusted relationships with those who have experience of sexual violence, coercion, exploitation and multiple disadvantages.”