NCC steps up to help victims of domestic abuse

Norfolk County Council pledges more than 70 thousand towards a domestic abuse legal advice service - after Police Commissioner ended funding

The Council will help fund a free domestic abuse legal advice service, which offers a lifeline to many - pledging £72k over two years.

Councillor Andrew Jamieson, deputy leader for NCC, says, “Domestic abuse has a devastating and lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities. 

"When the future of this specialist advice service was put at risk, it was clear that we needed to act. By stepping in, we’re ensuring vulnerable people in Norfolk can continue to access the legal protections and guidance they urgently need."

It's after the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk decided not to renew a grant for Norfolk Community Law Service (NCLS), a decision the service says potentially puts vulnerable domestic abuse victims at more risk.

PCC Sarah Taylor

In a statement giving reasons behind her decision the county’s PCC Sarah Taylor said, “Today, we are all working in a very different landscape. The new Police and Crime Plan has reprioritised prevention."  Also citing changes to government strategies putting an extra strain on resources.

Last year, NCLS - which reaches out to Lynn and West Norfolk - supported 452 domestic abuse victims.

CEO David Powles, says whilst he's 'very grateful that Norfolk County Council has stepped in to fill this funding gap', the fight for more resources continues.

"It costs more than £200k per year to provide vital, life-saving support to more than 400 domestic abuse victims, mainly women, every year. Other than this £72k funding just announced, NONE of the service is currently funded by statutory agencies and that’s wrong.

“We will continue to campaign about OPCC’s cut in funding, which goes against their own stated priorities."