VICTIMS of domestic abuse in Basingstoke and Deane and Hart will now be able to access vital support as part of a new service.

Hart District Council and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council have secured a £112,000 grant from Hampshire County Council to provide a new specialist support programme for victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse is coercive behaviour including physical, emotional, verbal, psychological, financial or sexual abuse.

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Alongside the grant from Hampshire County Council, using funding provided by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, both district councils will also contribute an additional £33,450.

The new outreach service, which will initially run for a two-year period from April, will fund two dedicated support officers employed by the YOU Trust, a charity that specialises in domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking services.

Support officers will help those who need housing assistance stay in the district by finding appropriate accommodation or enable them to stay in their own homes safely. They will also provide specialist advice and offer one-to-one counselling.

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Cllr Stuart Bailey, portfolio holder for community at Hart District Council, said: "Everyone has the right to live in their home in peace and safety, and this new service shows how seriously we take it. Domestic abuse affects a huge number of people, many of whom face additional challenges when it comes to receiving life-changing support.

“Knowing there are trained domestic abuse specialists available will hopefully give them the confidence to seek the help they need, in a confidential, safe environment."

Cllr Laura James, cabinet member for residents’ services and housing at Basingstoke and Deane Borough, said: “I am delighted the county council values the importance of what we are doing. We hope this targeted support will provide a lifeline for victims and survivors as they start to rebuild their lives.”

For more information about the housing support available for those suffering from domestic abuse, please visit hart.gov.uk/housing/homelessness-and-housing/domestic-abuse-support or call Hart’s housing team on 01252 774239.