FUNDING has been secured to support Hampshire victims of sexual crime and domestic abuse.

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Donna Jones announced the news of the additional funds on Thursday which comes after PCCs from across the country were invited to bid for two national pots of funding in June.

The money is now due to be distributed to charity’s and non-profit organisations to help people across the county.

Commissioner Jones said: “Domestic abuse and rape are crimes that cause immense harm to the victim.

“We need to ensure that we are doing everything we can to ensure that access to the right help and support is available for all victims.

“The money that has been awarded through these two government funds will help to meet increasing demand and to reduce disparities in service.”

Part of the funding, the critical support fund, is aimed at meeting any exceptional or additional need to support victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse that cannot be met through existing allocations.

The YOU Trust, based in Fareham has been awarded £23,001 for the 2021/22 financial year and £36,750 for the 2022/23 financial year to create the new post of a Health Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (Health IDVA).

The advisor will create additional capacity for the IDVA team which has seen an increase in referrals and will work exclusively with health and clients at both hospital and GP settings.

This comes on top of a further £35,525 secured through the other part of the national funding pot, the Male Rape Support Fund.

Tonia Redvers, quality and operations director at The YOU Trust said: “We are thrilled to have had the work within our sexual trauma and recovery (STAR) counselling team recognised.

“The funds will go toward a new programme called Space to Share, which has three distinct aims: to raise awareness; provide individual specialist counselling; and a male only group work programme.”

The aim of the male rape support fund is to ensure specialist sexual violence organisations can deliver quality services to meet the specific needs of men and boys.

Two other organisations as well as the You Trust secured funding, including Southampton’s Yellow Door who received £20,897.

Nicci King, Yellow Door CEO, said: “We are delighted to have been successful for Male Rape Support funding.

“This crucial funding will enable us to offer increased therapeutic support to men and boys who have experienced sexual abuse at any point in their lives.”