Organisations that support victims of domestic and sexual violence in Powys are being urged to bid for extra funding to help them with coronavirus-related costs.

A £76 million package of support was announced by the UK Government earlier this month to ensure that the most vulnerable people get the support they need during the pandemic.

Funding includes helping survivors of domestic abuse and their children by providing more safe spaces, accommodation and access to support services during the coronavirus outbreak.  

Dafydd Llywelyn, Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I am keen to ensure the safety of all victims during this unprecedented time, but in particular I recognise the dangers faced by victims of domestic and sexual abuse for whom home is not necessarily a safe place during lockdown.

“I am working with providers whom I currently commission to ensure they can access the required funding. I would now like to invite any organisations which I do not currently fund, who are providing support to victims of domestic and sexual violence, to bid for additional funding to assist them with Covid 19 related costs."

Government funding will be distributed through two separate funds, one through Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) and one through the national Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund.

Funding includes £15 million for local services that support domestic abuse victims, as well as £5 million for sexual violence services that are already commissioned by PCCs and those which are not currently commissioned by PCCs.

A full list of available funding can be found on the UK Government website: www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-funding-for-domestic-abuse-and-sexual-violence-support-services

Organisations wishing to submit a request for funding need to contact the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner's office by Monday, June 1.

Mr Llywelyn said: “Please do not hesitate to contact my team if you have any queries or wish to discuss the funding available. Please contact Alison Perry, Director of Commissioning, via OPCC@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk”