Family Solicitors

North Devon Council has announced that local district councils are to receive £433,000 of government funding to help domestic violence victims in the area.

District councils – working with expert partner agencies – have been successful in a bid for funding, to continue local service provision and develop new practices to keep domestic abuse victims and their families safe.

The funding will help enhance existing work with local services – including North Devon Against Domestic Abuse (NDADA), which provides refuge for local domestic abuse victims, as well as the commissioned service providers Devon Domestic Abuse Services (DDAS) and Stope Abuse for Everyone (SAFE).

The council says that funding will support domestic abuse victims and their families across the eight districts in Devon.

Work has already begun to recruit new specialist support, while existing services are working together to keep victims of domestic violence safe – and help local families go on to rebuild their lives.

North Devon Council says the funding will also enable local partners through Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) to explore pilot projects to tackle the effects of domestic abuse – and make local refuge services more sustainable for the future.

The project is being formally evaluated through a partnership with Exeter University, producing detailed findings of services across Devon, which will be published after the funding comes to an end.

Chief Executive of NDADA, Sue Wallis – and Devon Services Manager for DDAS, Chrissy Stower – were part of the bid writing team and said:

“We are excited and pleased that the partnership working within our submission has been recognised, bringing together housing services across all eight of Devon’s districts – as well as specialist domestic abuse services and two grass roots agencies, Sunrise and Survival Bags Home & Away.

“This strong emphasis on partnership supports our collective belief that domestic abuse can only be tackled effectively when all concerned recognise their own responsibilities towards keeping families safe and well in our communities.

“The success of the bid will allow us to investigate how we are going to do this is the face of dwindling funding and cuts to services – working together and speaking the same language is key.”

Duncan Lewis Family & Domestic Violence Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Family & 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.