PCC allocates funding to support victims of hidden harm crimes

Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore has allocated some of his Crime and Disorder Grant money to fund counselling to victims of domestic abuse, substance abuse and survivors of child sex abuse in Brandon and the surrounding area.

The grant of £780 will allow Irinni Counselling to support the delivery of the Freedom Programme, a 13 week programme to help women who have experienced domestic violence move on and break the cycle of abuse.

Tim Passmore said, “I am very pleased to support this project particularly as this month my Passmore Priority focuses on ‘Hidden Harm’, crimes which occur behind closed doors.

“At present the nearest support for victims living in the Brandon area, is in Newmarket or Bury St Edmunds and this can prove difficult. It is really important that we make sure support for victims of these terrible crimes is available and tailored to meet their needs.

“Earlier this year I commissioned research by UCS to better understand domestic abuse in Suffolk. One of the findings of the research is the need for greater support for victims of domestic abuse and that this support is easily accessible.

The Freedom Programme examines the roles played by attitudes and beliefs on the actions of abusive men and the responses of women victims and survivors.

Funding of £780 is being applied for to cover the cost of two facilitators to provide the programme over a period of 13 weeks.

Full details of the grant are available here.