THURROCK Council leader Cllr Rob Gledhill has praised the government's commitment to tackling domestic abuse after it was announced that extra funding is being made available to combat the problem.

Cllr Gledhill was speaking in the wake of news that £2.7m extra funding will be distributed across Essex, including Thurrock, to help local support services.

He said: "Domestic abuse is a devastating crime that ruins lives, which is why this Conservative Government's commitment to empowering and protecting victims is so important.

"The £2.7m extra funding across Essex, including Thurrock will ensure that anyone who needs to access safe accommodation and the support services they need to recover and rebuild their lives will be better able to do so, and is part of a wider package of support the Conservative Government have put in place for victims of rape and domestic abuse.

"Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone. You do not have to wait for an emergency situation to find help. If domestic abuse is happening to you, I urge you to report it immediately. Thurrock Council , Essex Police and the specialist domestic partners, we work with, will provide the support you need."

Some useful links:

Identifying and reporting abuse.

Help with housing.

Support.

The money, a total of £125 million, has been issued to councils across England to provide support for victims of domestic abuse and their children.

The funding will help ensure victims and their children who need it are able to access life-saving support such as therapy, advocacy and counselling in safe accommodation, including refuges.

The money will fund a new duty on councils to ensure victims and their children are able to access life-saving support in safe accommodation – a key part of the government's landmark Domestic Abuse Bill. The duty will come into effect later this year, subject to the Domestic Abuse Bill becoming law.

This is part of a wider package of support for victims of rape and domestic abuse, with a £40 million funding boost for victim support services announced last week.

The government has taken action to help the most vulnerable in society during the pandemic, with an unprecedented £76 million pledged in May to ensure vital services including refuges, helplines and counselling remain accessible.

Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing, Eddie Hughes MP said: "Domestic abuse is a heinous crime which threatens the lives of victims in their own homes where they should feel safe.

"So it's right that we're giving victims support in safe accommodation and providing councils with money to deliver essential services that will help them and their children rebuild their lives. This is part of a long-term strategy to provide broader support for domestic abuse victims both in safe accommodation like refuges, and in their own homes."