PCC launches £300,000 fund for domestic and sexual abuse support services
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden is inviting organisations to bid for funding to deliver support services for people affected by domestic or sexual abuse.
A funding pot of almost £300,000 opens for applications this Wednesday (15 July), with bidders having the chance to claim up to a maximum of £75,000 each to run services for 18 months starting this October.
Priority will be given to bids which demonstrate how they will cater for victims who are not currently well served and have specialist needs due to some of the "hidden harms" associated with domestic and sexual abuse.
The scheme is also aimed at organisations that are led by, and designed for, specific communities, to ensure the service has a deeper understanding of the victims' needs, through lived experience or cultural competency.
"Domestic and sexual abuse can leave victims feeling isolated and alone, especially in some of our more marginalised communities where the more mainstream support services may not suit their needs," said PCC Godden.
"As part of my Police and Crime Plan I have pledged to create a safer Nottinghamshire for all, and to do this we must serve and support everyone across our diverse communities and ensure no one is left behind.
"This new funding opportunity gives a chance for service providers to set out how they can help me ensure we can meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
"Sexual and domestic abuse are among the most heinous crimes in our society, so it is vital that everyone who is affected by it can access support at what is likely to be one of the most difficult times in their lives."
The funding is available after the Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner secured almost £300,000 of funding from the Ministry of Justice.
Prospective bidders have until midnight on Sunday 9 August to submit their application for funding, with final funding decisions set to be made by the PCC in mid-September.
Bidders will have to demonstrate a track record of service delivery in the sector.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Angela Kandola, who leads on the prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls and behalf of the PCC, said: "This is a unique chance for service providers to receive some much-needed funding to provide some incredibly valuable support to local victims of domestic and sexual abuse.
"There are already a number of fantastic services operating in the Nottinghamshire area and this funding will help enhance that offer further.
"It will help us to address some of the hidden harm in our society – which is harm or abuse that is usually hidden from public view - occurring behind closed doors and often not recognised or reported
"I would urge service providers to look at the detail on our website from Wednesday 15 July and apply before the window of opportunity closes."
- If you are affected by domestic or sexual abuse, please report it in on 999 in an emergency, or on 101, or by going to your local police station.