South Lincolnshire domestic abuse charity to get share of more than £66,000 in funding
A charity dealing with rising demand from families affected by domestic abuse in south Lincolnshire is to share in more than £66,000 of government cash.
South Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Service, (SoLDAS) will get extra funding through Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Marc Jones after his successful bid to the Ministry of Justice for funding to help people who have experienced domestic and sexual violence during the coronavirus pandemic.
A total of £66.566.63 will be shared between SoLDAS, part of Boston Women's Aid, and Lincolnshire Rape Crisis at a time when Lincolnshire Police has launched 16 days of action against domestic abuse.
Marie Chapman, funding and development manager for SoLDAS/Boston Women's Aid, said: "We've not seen any levelling off of demand for our services and we've put in place three new units of refuge to meet the demand, which is outstripping supply.
"This amount of funding demonstrates the fact that the PCC understands the severity of the impact domestic abuse is having during this COVID-19 crisis and it will help us make of a difference at this time."
Running alongside the United Nations' 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Lincolnshire Police is working with domestic abuse charities, health services and Lincolnshire County Council in response to a 76 per cent jump in reports of abuse to the police in the 24 hours after the first lockdown was eased on July 4.
Mr Jones said: "The work done by these charities is crucial in supporting and helping survivors of domestic abuse.
"But the pandemic has made that work both more difficult and more important than ever.
"This additional funding will be important in helping these charities meet the challenges and continue the amazing work they do to help those in need."
In July, SoLDAS/Boston Women's Aid received £12,000 from the PCC's office towards providing support to those facing domestic abuse, with nearly £3,000 coming from Lincolnshire Co-op's Community Champions scheme last month.
But Marie said: "With Christmas coming up, we're appealing to people who might want to support us by giving us gift vouchers because it's going to be a different sort of Christmas for everybody.
"If people can give us gift voucher, mums at our refuges will then have the dignity to buy their children presents."
