Harrogate Borough Council
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Housing fund to help victims of domestic abuse
8 October 2008 - AS the numbers of
domestic abuse rise nationally, Harrogate Borough Council has
adopted a policy to help victims locally.
Whilst the council is working with the Harrogate and District
Safer Communities Partnership to deliver the Make it Safe scheme
across the Harrogate district, it has now turned its attention to
its own tenants.
As well as adopting a new policy the council has also created
a small cash fund both of which will provide practical
support.
Councillor Jean Butterfield, Cabinet Member for Housing
said: "Just as figures are rising up and down
the country, we are seeing increased incidences within in our own
tenanted properties. Statistics show that
victims of domestic abuse often wait far too long before seeking
help. This can be for all sorts of
reasons. This new policy will help our staff
take early and appropriate action and a fund of £5000 has
been set aside to help with modifications to homes, above and
beyond our normal repairs programme, to improve security where it
is needed.
"It is often children who suffer most when there is domestic
abuse or violence and we want to do everything we can to make sure
that they can stay in their home and that parents feel they have
the support from us to help them do that."
ENDS
FURTHER INFORMATION: Councillor
Jean Butterfield is available for comment on 01423
770381. Further technical information is
available from Mr Alan Jenks, Head of Housing on 01423
556849.