Sandwell Council’s Cabinet is set to extend a vital grant in a bid to provide continuing support to people experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence in Sandwell.
A Cabinet report recommends awarding the grant of £287,268 a year from 1 April, 2021 – to Black Country Women’s Aid – for the next three years.
The independent charity has been in receipt of a similar council grant for the last three years – which expires on 31 March 2021.
During this time, it has supported 4,426 victims of domestic abuse as well as 478 victims of rape and sexual violence in Sandwell, with 79 per cent of victims reporting last year that their situation had improved after receiving support from Black Country Women’s Aid.
Councillor Farut Shaeen, Cabinet member for living healthy lives, said: “Black Country Women’s Aid is doing a very important job in Sandwell where sadly domestic abuse is a significant issue with reporting of domestic abuse to police consistently increasing during the last three years.
“While the increase in reported incidents is of concern, it does indicate that more victims are being identified earlier and coming forward for support, evidencing the need for the council’s continued investment in the support the grant provides.”
Reports of rape and sexual violence to police have also consistently increased in Sandwell by 30 per cent between 2017 and 2019.
Councillor Maria Crompton, deputy leader, Sandwell Council added: “It is important Black Country Women’s Aid continues with their vital work providing support to those affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.
“The charity organisation has worked in Sandwell for more than 30 years providing support to all genders and children affected by domestic abuse and we hope the extension to the grant will mean they are able to continue this essential service.”
The extension of the grant will also assist the council to meet its obligations under The Domestic Abuse Bill 2020, currently going through Parliament. Sandwell Council has grant-aided Black Country Women’s Aid for more than 13 years to provide specialist community-based support to victims of domestic abuse and their families.
BCWA has demonstrated a commitment to the people of Sandwell by attracting additional funds and working with community partners to maintain support to victims and this grant will go some way to contributing to these essential services.
The report will be discussed at the council’s Cabinet on Wednesday 24 February.
Useful contacts:
Black Country Women’s Aid can provide support to victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence:
Call the 24-hour helpline on 0121 552 6448
Text or WhatsApp on 07384 466 181 (9am-9pm Monday to Friday)
Call 999 in an emergency
If you are worried about your behaviour towards others, call the Respect Helpline on 0808 802 4040.
Find more information here
