Worcestershire County Council has been given a cash boost of £75,000 from the Government to provide life-saving support for survivors of domestic abuse and their children.

The council is one of 75 councils across England that will share more than £16 million, helping up to 43,000 survivors have access to the help they need.

The scheme is part of a wider Government drive to bolster protection for survivors of domestic abuse.

John Campion, Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia, welcomed the funding, saying: “Putting victims first is one of my key priorities for West Mercia and domestic abuse is a devastating crime which shatters lives and leaves victims living in fear in their own homes – the place where they should feel most safe and secure.

“No victim of domestic abuse should have to struggle to get the right support or help that they need, and this cash boost of £75,000 means more support can be given to those in Worcestershire who are fleeing from abusive relationships.”

The money comes after research released by women’s aid that showed the domestic abuse sector is in a funding crisis. In January the domestic violence charity said 64 per cent of refuge referrals were declined last year.

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A spokesman for Worcestershire county council said the funding will be spent on professional support for both adults and children affected by domestic abuse in Worcestershire.

It will also fund specialist workers to help advise district councils, to ensure that appropriate accommodation and support is allocated to help keep people safe.