PCC awards new £1.5m IDVA contract to support victims of domestic violence and abuse

A major grant commissioned by Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore to support victims of domestic violence and abuse, has been awarded to Leeway Domestic Violence and Abuse Services. The new contract takes effect today (Monday October 1).

Suffolk’s Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) service was launched by the PCC in 2014 and was previously provided by Lighthouse Women’s Aid. This new three-year grant, worth £1.5m over three years, will continue to provide a countywide IDVA service to provide specialist support dedicated to the individual needs of victims of domestic abuse.

High risk domestic abuse victims identified by frontline agency professionals (such as police, health or refuge workers) will be referred to the IDVA service. The IDVA service safeguards these adult victims of domestic abuse through effective safety planning, personal support and updates as the case progresses through the criminal justice system.

Tim Passmore said, “I am absolutely delighted to be able to provide this service to victims by funding this invaluable IDVA service. I’m particularly pleased that this service is independent from the Constabulary, which is more reassuring to those who choose, for whatever reason, not to report their abuse to the police.

“Since becoming Suffolk’s PCC in 2012 I have seen just how huge an issue domestic abuse is in the county and how important it is to make sure the victims of this crime are properly supported.

“I look forward to working with Leeway and would like to take this opportunity to thank Lighthouse Women’s Aid who have provided this vital service for the past three years.”

Mandy Proctor, Chief Executive of Leeway, said: “We are delighted to be running the IDVA service across Suffolk, supporting those at high-risk of serious harm. It is an important service and we are committed to working in partnership with other agencies to ensure we provide high-quality support to those experiencing domestic abuse.”

Tim Passmore added, “Victims are the absolute focus of our work and it is most important that they have the confidence to report. Please don’t suffer in silence, help is available and if you don’t want to report to the police you can call Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care in confidence on 0300 303 3706 or 0808 16 89 111 (out of hours).and they will direct you to the most appropriate support.”