Gloucestershire County Council proposes continued investment in domestic abuse support services

Gloucestershire County Council’s Cabinet will discuss proposals to allocate government Domestic Abuse Duty Funding and previously unspent domestic abuse grant funding to support a range of services up to 2032. The £2.2 million funding will support the council and its partners provide a joined-up response to domestic abuse across the county.

The proposals include continued funding to provide support for those in safe accommodation through the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS), support within the county's Places of Safety dispersed accommodation scheme, trauma and wellbeing support for children and young people, and dedicated staff who coordinate domestic abuse work across partner organisations. 

The investment builds on work already being delivered through domestic abuse funding across Gloucestershire. Existing services have helped victims access safe accommodation, specialist support and advice, and strengthened partnership working. 

Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities and Fire at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "Domestic abuse can have a devastating impact on victims, survivors and their families, and it is vital that people can access help when they need it most. 

"This funding enables us and our partners to continue providing a strong network of support across Gloucestershire, including specialist services for people needing safe accommodation and dedicated support for children and young people affected by domestic abuse. 

"We've already seen the positive difference these services can make, helping people stay safe, recover from trauma and rebuild their lives. This investment will help ensure that support remains available for those who need it, while allowing us to continue developing services in response to local needs and learning from people's experiences.”