Dorset Council has received additional government funding to help victims of domestic abuse.

A £650,000 grant will be used in the next 12 months to make residents who have experienced any form of domestic abuse safer in their own homes, or in supported accommodation, as well as to provide specialist support for their children.

The extra investment can be used to finance security devices to allow people experiencing domestic abuse to remain in their own homes along with the support of family and friends, to avoid the disruption of moving away. Funding will also help rebuild the lives and confidence of those who have felt the only way to escape domestic abuse is to move to a refuge.

More children will also get help to manage the trauma of either witnessing abuse or coping with the psychological scars of living in a home where domestic abuse has occurred.

Abuse does not always leave visual injuries and can be hugely detrimental to victims’ lives. Domestic abuse can be physical, verbal, emotional, sexual, economical and coercive and controlling behaviour.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities funding is in addition to £650,000 received in 2021. The money is due to the government’s introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act which became law last year.

Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, portfolio holder for Housing and Community Safety, said: “Domestic abuse is unacceptable and remains a top priority for the council.

“Working with partners and the community, we are committed to tackling domestic abuse in all its forms. This includes preventing it, and supporting people experiencing domestic abuse and during prosecution of offenders.”

“This money will help strengthen our response, providing adults and children with the right support for now and in the future.”

Cllr Molly Rennie, member champion for domestic abuse, said: “Domestic abuse in any form is totally unacceptable and the council supports many services designed to provide support.

“This helps families to make good choices for their safety and the money will give more choice to those who have experienced domestic abuse to get on safely with their lives.”

In January, the council published its Domestic Abuse Strategy. Created by the Dorset Community Safety Partnership, the strategy sets out how the council will work with organisations and communities in Dorset to tackle domestic abuse over the next three years.

Trained advisers will listen to residents and can explore different options to work out what support is right for them such as taking though worries or making a safety plan.

Anyone affected can call the Paragon domestic abuse helpline on 0800 032 5204, 24-hours a day, search online for ‘DVA help Dorset’, or visit paragonteam.org.uk. Calls are free, but the number may show up on some itemised phone bills.

In an emergency, always dial 999.