The South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit are offering voluntary organisations and community groups the opportunity to apply for up to £20,000 funding to help prevent domestic abuse.
The Domestic Abuse Prevention Fund is now open for applications from projects that will work to prevent and reduce violence across South Yorkshire, focused on the primary and secondary prevention of domestic abuse.
We are looking for initiatives that focus on:
- Activities that promote positive, cohesive and healthy relationships
- Activities with all ages that talk about feelings and emotions, being aware of them and channelling them
- Community activity for young people, adults and families
- Diversionary activity
- Mental health projects
- Training (in and out of school settings, e.g. youth clubs, community centres, gyms)
- Upskilling the workforce and volunteers (in and out of schools)
- Work linked to the new Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) curriculum
Rachel Staniforth, Joint Head of the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit said: “We are looking for organisations that will work with individuals, families and young people to prevent domestic abuse in South Yorkshire.
“Domestic abuse can take many forms and have a long lasting impact on not only those who are abused, but also anyone living in the same household. Evidence shows that experiencing domestic abuse increases a person’s risk of later involvement in violence, as a victim, perpetrator or both.
“The South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit want to work with organisations within South Yorkshire that are committed to stopping domestic abuse before it begins (primary prevention), halting the abuse as soon as possible (secondary prevention) and breaking the cycle of domestic abuse by working with families and communities to promote healthy and respectful relationships.”
Grant funding is available up to £20,000 to organisations based and working in South Yorkshire.
Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner and Chair of the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit, said: “During the lockdown many people found themselves trapped in abusive relationships, unable to ask for help. Relationships that should have been a source of support and trust brought anxiety and fear. Sometimes children had to witness people they loved being abused, emotionally or physically. When restrictions were eased, domestic abuse incidents reported to the police increased by 7% across the county.
“This funding will enable organisations to help those who are trying to find relief from those who cause them and their children harm.”
Applications can be made to the fund for core costs for existing work and for new work and project costs.
The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday, 7 August 2020.
For more information on the Violence Reduction Fund and how to apply, please see the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Fund page.
