ALMOST £500,000 of new funding will be used to tackle domestic abuse across Hampshire.

The money will be used by projects across the country that work with young people who are victims of abuse or potentially showing abusive behaviours themselves.

Ultimately, the £495,471 aims to stop the cycle of domestic abuse at a young age.

Projects to be funded include a new programme run by the Hampton Trust is designed to meet tackle traumatic past experiences and abusive behaviour.

Meanwhile, a 'Caring Dads' programme focuses on teaching fathering techniques as well as respectful, non-abusive co-parenting.

Southampton-based charity, Yellow Door, will also receive money towards a family therapy scheme.

According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) in the year ending March 2020, an estimated 7.3 per cent of women (1.6 million) and 3.6 per cent of men (757,000) experienced Domestic Abuse.

Women aged 16 to 19 years were more likely to be victims of any Domestic Abuse in the last year than women aged 25 years and over.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, said: “Historically domestic abuse services have been designed for adults. We have seen an increase in abusive relationships of young people, many of whom have experienced forms of abuse themselves. The funding will help us to support young people to deal with trauma; to manage conflict and learn how to sustain respectful and supportive relationships.

“Safeguarding and supporting victims of abuse is a priority as is working with the abuser. Once someone recognises their behaviour is harmful, we can work to prevent them repeating the behaviour increasing their chances of happiness in future relationships.”