Cumbria given £350,000 to support survivors of domestic violence
Survivors of domestic violence in Cumbria could benefit from easier access to urgent support and safe housing.
Carlisle City Council has been awarded £350,000, in an attempt help people escape from abusive relationships.
£16.6m was allocated to councils in England by the Government, and is part of a wider drive to help protect survivors of domestic abuse.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said, "the new funding will enable victims and their children to stay safe, recover from the trauma, and access safe permanent rehousing where needed. Many councils are already providing tailored support to those in need, but this move will bring an end to the postcode lottery of support for those fleeing abusive relationships."
This funding comes in anticipation of the Domestic Abuse Bill, which will shortly be brought back into law.
It will mean that, for the first time, any lawful definition of domestic violence will also include economic abuse and controlling and manipulative non-physical abuse.
The Bill will also establish a new Domestic Abuse Commissioner, which should prohibit the cross-examination of victims by their alleged abusers in family court.