Want the best Nottingham news by 9am every day? Sign up to our newsletter! Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Nearly half a million pounds has been awarded to councils by the government to help prevent violence against women and girls.

Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council will receive just under £446,000 between them over the next three years as part of the government's ‘Violence Against Women and Girls’ transformation fund.

The sum will go towards a range of activities to support victims by working with perpetrators of abuse to change their behaviour, supporting victims, offering advice and helping children affected by what they have witnessed.

The cash will transform domestic and sexual abuse services across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and provide equal access to high quality services for all.

Police and crime commissioner, Paddy Tipping, believes it has taken too long for society to confront the realities of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

He said: “So many women and girls, and men too, suffer at the hands of abusive partners and it is up to each and every one of us to play a part in showing it won’t be tolerated anymore.

“I have been enormously impressed at the way different organisations, the police, health and local councils, are coming together across Nottinghamshire to tackle this issue and this money will help enhance support and help for victims.”

Specialist help will also be made available for the most vulnerable victims, including providing support for those with complex needs, such as substance misuse problems or poor mental health.

It will also support female survivors of honour based violence, forced marriage and female genital mutilation.

Victims and survivors of stalking and harassment, sexual violence, abuse, trafficking, child sex exploitation and women involved in prostitution will all benefit from the government funding.

Councillor Toby Neal, portfolio holder for community and customer services at Nottingham City Council, said that he was delighted to receive the funding.

He said: “It will go a long way to helping so many people. Violence and abuse can destroy the lives of victims, their families and those closest to them.

“Protecting women and girls from violence, and supporting victims and survivors, is incredibly important and it needs a joined-up, collaborative response locally, providing support to victims through health, education and social care, as well as the police.”

The public health and commissioning manager at Nottinghamshire County Council, Geoff Hamilton, agreed.

He said: “This funding is an excellent example of partners working together to support survivors of domestic and sexual abuse and violence.

“In the county we will particularly be aiming to reduce the risk of psychological and physical harm by reaching young people through promoting healthy and respectful relationships and targeted prevention work.”

It is hoped that these changes will enable stronger survivor recovery and reduce the risk of psychological and physical harm because of early intervention.

The funding received was a joint bid from Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, The University of Nottingham, Women’s Aid Federation of England, Women’s Aid Integrated Services (WAIS), Nottinghamshire Sexual Violence Support Services (formerly Rape Crisis Nottinghamshire) and Equation.