Domestic abuse victims given lifeline as government pumps £400k into Portsmouth refuge service

Portsmouth City Council is one of nine authorities across the region to receive a portion of the cash to help survivors access refuge homes.

Almost £400,000 will be pumped into supporting the island’s refuge service, which offer victims and their children a safe space to recover from the trauma of abuse.

Campaigner and domestic abuse survivor Kirsty Mellor, from the city, welcomed the news but said more ‘consistent funding’ was needed.

‘We've seen dangerous cuts to vital services and those cuts cost lives,’ she said. ‘Demand for services such as refuge continues to exceed current provision.

‘This extra pot of money is vital in improving the service we provide in Portsmouth to give victims a place of safety, fleeing immediate danger often providing them with skills and knowledge to move forward free from abuse.’

The news comes months after health officials warned the city was facing a £1.3m funding black hole for domestic abuse services.

Announcing the latest cash injection, communities secretary, Robert Jenrick said: ‘Domestic abuse destroys lives and leaves victims living in fear in their own homes – the place where they should feel most safe and secure.

‘No victim of domestic abuse should have to struggle to get the right support, or wait months for help that they need.

‘This new funding of £2.1 million will help councils in the south east better protect victims and their children and provide essential life-saving services, delivering the urgent support that they need to rebuild their lives.’

Councillor Lee Hunt, Portsmouth City Council's community safety boss, said he was ‘delighted’ by the news.

He added the council had approved funding from its own budget for a new domestic violence officer post to create additional support.

Speaking of the government’s cash boom, Cllr Hunt said: ‘This funding will provide targeted support to help victims and their children remain in their homes and to reduce the likelihood of needing to go to a refuge.’

Claire Lambon, chief executive of Stop Domestic Abuse, was also pleased and said: ‘Stop Domestic Abuse is delighted that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has continued to fund crucial work supporting those affected by domestic abuse in Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, Havant and East Hampshire.’

There are currently seven refuges in the Portsmouth area, providing 41 family spaces for women and their children.

Southampton received £91,000 and the Isle of Wight picked up £99,600. Portsmouth received £399,915.

- If you’re experiencing domestic abuse and need support, please get in touch with Stop Domestic Abuse on 023 9206 5494. In an emergency, dial 999.