A MAJOR investment will bring more support to victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion has secured more than £2million in funding from the Ministry of Justice, for more than 20 new Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) and Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) roles
Working alongside West Mercia Women’s Aid (WMWA), West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC) and AXIS, the varied roles will ensure specialist support is provided in a number of different scenarios.
This will include tailored support for young people and children, people with physical and learning disabilities, plus the increasing of provision with minority groups.
Mr Campion said: “My commitment is to put the needs of victims at the heart of everything we do and I promised I would fight hard to secure these resources.
“By investing significantly, victim’s right across West Mercia, will be supported, in the best possible way, helping them to cope and recover.
“I am grateful to the Government and the Ministry of Justice in stepping up and recognising the importance of this, and to those providing this vital service which will have such a positive impact on our communities.
The funding boost came in the week Mr Campion was sworn in at a socially-distanced ceremony broadcast live on Facebook and officiated by Megan Harrison, chair of the Bench in Worcestershire.
Speaking after the ceremony, West Mercia’s PCC said: “The day after I re-elected I was straight back into the office eager to carry on.
“However, to be sworn in allows me to make an official declaration that outlines the commitments I will make whilst in office.
“I once again thank the communities of West Mercia for backing me and trusting that I will continue to put them at the very heart of the decisions I make on behalf of them.”
