Family Solicitors

Canterbury City Council has announced that more support will be available for victims of domestic abuse in east Kent, following a successful bid for £70,000 of government funding.

The bid was led by Canterbury City Council in partnership with Thanet District Council and Kent County Council and focused on supporting people who have found it harder to access traditional domestic abuse services.

These include members of larger families, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and those from ethnic minorities.

The funding will be used to ensure those in most need are provided with support at the time they require it most – and that suitable safe accommodation is available to all.

As neighbouring councils, Canterbury and Thanet see a degree of crossover with domestic abuse cases and the funding will allow for even closer working and a more flexible approach to providing support to victims.

Chairman of Canterbury City Council’s Community Committee, Councillor Neil Baker, said:

“We’re very pleased to have secured this funding with the specific aim of helping people who traditionally have not come forward for support. Nobody should have to suffer the misery of domestic abuse, or feel that they are unable to get the assistance they need.The cash will allow us to provide people who are escaping violence with more options and support with education, employment and life skills – we hope we can transform the lives of those who want to get out of the very difficult situations they find themselves in.”

Thanet District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services, Cllr Lin Fairbrass, added:

“This funding is an extremely important step forward in being able to provide meaningful support to victims of domestic abuse across Thanet and east Kent. Despite there being several support services currently in place, until now it has been difficult to provide specialist support and refuge to specific groups of people."

“Together with Canterbury City Council, this funding will help to create clear and specialist plans for victims of such a devastating crime, so they can rebuild their lives in a realistic and positive way.”

Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, Graham Gibbens, said:

“Kent County Council welcomes the additional resources to deliver support to victims of domestic abuse and their families – particularly as this project will focus on families who may not be suitable for traditional refuge accommodation and enhances existing provision commissioned by KCC and its partners. We look forward to working with Canterbury City Council and Thanet District Council to make this project a success.”

Duncan Lewis Family & 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.