Domestic abuse victims reminded that support is still available during latest coronavirus lockdown

Victims of domestic abuse in Greater Manchester are being reminded that support is still available and those at risk of harm can still leave their homes under the latest coronavirus lockdown rules.

Last month, emergency funding was allocated to charities in the city-region that support victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence to adapt their services while the pandemic continues.

A total of £571,196 was allocated to 26 organisations by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), which will enable them to adapt services and improve digital capabilities for remote working.

The money will enable the charities to provide more counselling for vulnerable victims and hire additional staff to cope with increased demand.

They will also be able to make their organisations ‘Covid Secure’ and provide PPE to staff.

The funding has been allocated to the charities via Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) after it submitted bids to government for the funding.

Bev Hughes, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, said: “The new restrictions require people to stay at home, but for many people home isn’t a safe environment.

“We know for some victims the pandemic has meant spending more time at home with their potential abuser, and as a result this means victims have been cut off from their existing support networks.

"It has also added to extra stress and anxiety, therefore the extra funding is needed now more than ever so services can still be delivered under remote conditions.

“Our message to victims of domestic abuse is – you are not alone, and support is still here if you need it.

"I also want to remind people that if home isn’t a safe place, you are allowed to leave and stay away from home overnight to escape risk of harm, such as domestic abuse, despite the restrictions – this is a very important message.”

Guidance about the new lockdown rules can be found on the gov.uk website.

Last year GMCA placed bids for emergency funding from the MoJ to support 33 charities to in the city region.

A total of £860,850 was allocated after the sector reported difficulties in maintaining previous level of service due to losing income from donations and regular giving.

The full list of charities to receive the latest funding are:

Salford Women’s Aid

Fort Alice

TLC: Talk, Listen, Change

Salford Foundation

Stockport Without Abuse

Independent Choices

Rochdale Connections Trust

City Hearts

Paws for Kids (Endeavour Domestic Abuse)

NESTAC

The Children’s Society

DIAS Domestic Violence Centre

EndAbuse

Victim support (victim assessment and referral service)

Victim Support (Bury DA service)

Victim Support (Rochdale DA Service)

Olive Pathway

TLC (The Prevention Alliance)

MhIST

Empathy North West

Stockport Women’s Centre

Positive Steps

Caribbean & African Health Network Greater Manchester

The Pankhurst Trust

Bridges (Jigsaw Support)

Dimobi Disability Trust

If you, or someone you know, is feeling anxious and unsafe in their home, visit: gmvictims.org.uk or call 0161 200 1950 for help and advice, including how to access local support services.

You don’t have to report anything to the police if you don’t want to.

If you, or someone you know, has come to harm or is at risk of coming to harm, you can report this to Greater Manchester Police via their Livechat facility at gmp.police.uk or call 101.

If you, or someone else is in immediate danger always dial 999.

If you are calling 999 from a mobile phone and you are unable to speak, you can use the Silent Solution by pressing 55 when prompted.

Once you press 55, the operator will then transfer the call to the relevant police force as an emergency.

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