Legal News

Cannock Chase Council – working in partnership with South Staffordshire District Council and lead authority Stafford Borough Council – has secured nearly £146,000 in government funding to help support ForWard House, a state-of-the-art domestic abuse refuge which was opened in Stafford in 2016.

The funding represents a share of a £20 million nationwide pot from the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG), to support victims of domestic abuse.

The £2.6m state-of-the-art facility opened in February 2016 and is run by Staffordshire Women’s Aid. The refuge provides quality accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic violence, with 12 self-contained apartments catering for up to 34 children at any one time.

The new funding will help pay for support workers and specialist mental health provision, says the council.

Managing director at Cannock Chase Council, Tony McGovern, said:

“It is great news that we could secure more funding for this refuge – the provision of the refuge and the outreach support plays a vital role in meeting the needs of victims of domestic abuse from the Cannock Chase District.

“Cannock Chase Council lost their refuge provision in Summer 2013, as a result of cuts to Staffordshire Supporting People funding and changes in contract arrangements.

“Therefore, without access to this accommodation and support, Cannock Chase Council would not have been able to provide appropriate temporary accommodation or outreach support.”

Cannock Chase Council and South Staffordshire District Council assisted Stafford Borough Council and Staffordshire Women’s Aid to lead on the successful bid to secure £145,834 from the DCLG.

Chief executive of Staffordshire Women’s Aid, Dickie James, added:

“We are so pleased to have been awarded this funding by DCLG – it will mean we can provide the specialist support for vulnerable women and children from our local community who are no longer safe in their own homes, so they can look forward to safe and independent futures.

“The bid was the result of the strong partnership we have with the borough and local councils – and demonstrates their commitment to supporting victims of domestic violence.”

Duncan Lewis Domestic Violence Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Domestic Violence Solicitors can advise victims of domestic abuse on how to tackle the issues within the law, including advising on controlling or coercive behaviour, domestic abuse between partners or spouses or same sex partners, child-parent domestic abuse, elder abuse, domestic abuse between friends or flatmates, and financial abuse.

Duncan Lewis is also able to advise on FGM, forced marriage, honour crimes and dowry disputes – and advises on family law under the laws of England and Wales and Islamic law.

For expert legal advice on tackling domestic abuse, call Duncan Lewis domestic violence solicitors in confidence on 0333 772 0409.

For urgent legal help with a domestic violence matter, call the Duncan Lewis Solicitors 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607, where a family lawyer is available 24/7.