CARDIGAN-based West Wales Domestic Abuse Service is one of 10 such group across the Dyfed-Powys area that is set to benefit from additional funding.

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Dafydd Llywelyn has secured more than £140,000 of additional government funding for organisations that provide support for victims of domestic and sexual violence in Dyfed-Powys to assist them with Covis-19 related costs.

The Government recently announced a £76 million package to ensure the most vulnerable in society get the support they need during the pandemic. This included funding to help survivors of domestic abuse and their children by providing more safe spaces, accommodation and access to support services.  

Having recently invited organisations to work with his office to submit applications for the funding, PCC Mr Llywelyn was pleased to announce that funding was secured for all 10 of the organisations that applied, which included West wales Domestic Abuse Service.

Mr Llywelyn said: “This is great news for all the organisations, as the additional funding will have a significant impact on alleviating some of the pressure that they have been put under during these difficult times.

“These crimes should never be happening and the government understands the challenges faced by services supporting those for whom home is not a safe place during lockdown

“Some of our frontline charities have struggled to continue their vital work during the pandemic, at the very time when the risk for those trapped in abusive or exploitative situations has increased.

“It is essential that victims be assisted to access the help they need, which will include additional support for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence, supporting new ways of working to reach those isolated by lockdown. Anyone at risk should always contact the police.

“I now look forward to seeing what this additional funding delivers to our communities and importantly how it will help to provide new and increased ways of supporting victims. I will continue to lobby government funders to ensure that this is not a one-off provision and that we continue to support this vital work longer term,” added Mr Llywelyn

The 10 organisations are: Aberystwyth University (running Dewis Choice service); Calan DVS; Carmarthenshire Domestic Abuse Service; Hafan Cymru; Montgomeryshire Family Crisis Centre; New Pathways; Pembrokeshire People's First; Pobl Care and Support; Threshold DAS and West Wales Domestic Abuse Service.