THE work of a partnership to combat domestic abuse has been acknowledged with a substantial grant.

The Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Partnership will benefit from just over £219,000 awarded from the Home Office's Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Fund.

It was a successful bid to help break the cycle of domestic abuse by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, Roger Hirst.

He said: "Protecting our most vulnerable people from harm and breaking the cycle of domestic abuse are really important priorities right now.

"This money will make a huge difference to the service and support we can provide.

"Only by working together can we help people be safe.

"The Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Partnership is making great progress in helping survivors and educating perpetrators to change their behaviour."

The grant will pay for training for 200 frontline practitioners working across Essex to help them address controlling and coercive behaviour within families.

Specialist clinical supervision skills training will also be provided for 40 managers and means the partnership can run 25 Domestic Violence Prevention Programmes specifically for minority groups and people living in rural areas.

Essex Police's Chief Superintendent Andy Mariner said: "We understand it can be difficult for victims of domestic abuse to seek help and this funding will provide even more support for them, as well as support for offenders to help them change their behaviour.

"Every day our specialist officers are protecting vulnerable people and their families and taking robust action against abusers.

"We also work really closely with local authorities, support agencies and other partners to help victims rebuild their lives free of the physical and emotional effects of domestic abuse.

"If you or a loved one are affected by these issues, I'd urge you to please report it or tell someone so we can help you."

To find out more about the support and services on offer click here.

For help and support you can also go to https://www.essexcompass.org.uk/ or call the Essex Domestic Abuse Helpline 0330 333 7 444.