TWO extra caseworkers for domestic abuse victims will be funded by Solihull Council.
The £60k pledge comes during a reported rise in violence, as women face being trapped inside with abusive partners.
West Midlands Police reported the National Domestic Abuse helpline has seen a 25 per cent increase in calls and online requests for help.
Leader of Solihull Council, Coun Ian Courts said: “Although there have been many acts of kindness during the pandemic, sadly we have also seen an increase in cases of domestic abuse.
“Locally, Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid have told us that many of the women they are supporting are trying to manage but that they want to leave their relationships when lockdown ends. We know that this has been the pattern in other countries emerging from lockdown too.
“To provide more support for women in this situation we are giving an additional £60k funding to bolster up our existing specialist domestic abuse team. This will pay for two new members of staff, which will help us to respond quickly and support local women and their families when they need us.”
Solihull is committed to tackling domestic abuse in all its forms and these are additional resources. Domestic abuse is a serious crime and at its worse can result in serious harm and sometimes the death of victims and their children.
Anyone who is experiencing abuse and needs immediate help should ring 999.
Those in need of help can find advice via the council at www.solihull.gov.uk/Resident/crimeandemergencies/Domestic-abuse.
