Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, has secured additional annual funding of £311,454 for 2023/24 and 2024/25, with £246,256 for this financial year (2022/23), for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse across Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight.
The funding will pay for 6 Independent Domestic Abuse Advocates (IDVAs) and 1 Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA), who ensure domestic and sexual abuse victims, survivors, and their children get the best possible support and that there are safety plans in place.
When victims at high risk of abuse engage with an IDVA, there are clear and measurable improvements in safety, including a reduction in the escalation and severity of abuse and a reduction in, or even an ending to, repeat incidents of abuse.
Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has said:
“It is vitally important for victims of domestic abuse, rape, and sexual assault to have access to independent, compassionate support. It is recognized that these devastating crimes do not just affect adults, which is why I am so pleased to announce the addition of advocate posts specifically supporting young people. These services ensure victims and survivors are listened to, no matter their circumstances or whether they choose to pursue a criminal justice route or not.
“This funding will add much-needed capacity to the ISVA and IDVA services and will continue to make a real difference to the lives of victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence, delivered by experts in the field.”
Jayne Hardy, Area Manager for the YOU Trust, said:
“The YOU Trust were thrilled to be awarded funds from the Ministry of Justice to help address domestic violence and abuse, for adults and children living on the Isle of Wight.
Article continues below this advertisement “Our PARAGON team on the Island offers a range of emotional and practical support for all victims and works closely with other agencies. We know that these additional posts will continue to support us to meet the needs of individuals experiencing abuse to live a life without fear.”
This is why the Island needs to be kept separate from the mainland, know where in that article does it say what percentage the Island will get. As usual not a lot, seeing as she didn’t even think we needed a traffic unit over here and hope of a decent amount of cash is not going to happen,