Survivors of domestic abuse given support during Covid-19

Published: 15 April 2020

A group that supports survivors of domestic abuse has been awarded a £3,000 grant to help them work with people who may be experiencing isolation as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Stop Abuse for Everyone (SAFE) received the cash as part of the Exeter Covid-19 Action Fund.

The Exeter-based group will use the money to provide increased telephone and video counselling services to survivors of domestic abuse and violence who may be experiencing increased isolation and re-traumatisation and require emotional support.

So far, more than £57,000 has been handed out by the £1 million Exeter Covid-19 Action Fund, which is being supported by the Exeter Chiefs Foundation.

The Action Fund was launched at the end of last month in tandem with support service Exeter Community Wellbeing. It enables organisations to get rapid access to small grants to allow them to work on local projects to support those people and communities most affected by the pandemic.

Lucy Skye, of SAFE, said the money would be put to good use, covering additional staffing hours.

She added: “It will also enable us to be alert to survivors who may be at increased risk, and to liaise at an early stage with relevant safeguarding agencies to minimise escalation.

“It is vital that survivors understand that there are still services and individuals thinking of them and able to support them and that they can continue to develop self-care.”

Among other groups to receive funding from the Action Fund are:

• Headway Devon - £1,000 toward supporting vulnerable people who have suffered brain injury
• YMCA Exeter Community Projects - £977.50 towards reducing loneliness through digital communication and providing relief from food poverty
• Julian House Assertive Homeless Outreach Team - £1,000 grant