STROUD District Council is to receive £87,242 as part of a £16million government funding scheme to support survivors of domestic abuse and their children in England.

The Government will provide £16.6million to 75 projects across the country to help fund domestic abuse refuge services in safe housing for survivors of domestic abuse.

The new funding will enable victims and their children to stay safe and access permanent rehousing where needed.

Money will be shared across the councils to help up to 43,000 survivors have access to the help they need.

This project follows new plans to ensure every council provides essential support from next year, and it is part of a government drive to provide protection to survivors of domestic abuse, including the landmark Domestic Abuse Bill which is due to be reintroduced shortly.

Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick MP, said: “Domestic abuse destroys lives and leaves victims living in fear in their own homes – the place where they should feel most safe and secure.

“No victim of domestic abuse should have to struggle to get the right support, or wait months for help that they need. This new funding of £16.6 million will help local areas better protect victims and their children and provide essential life-saving services, delivering the urgent support that they need to rebuild their lives."