Purpose

Seek approval to award grants the outlined to enhance domestic abuse support. The awards constitute 2 x £20k p.a. grant to Harmony which provides accommodation for those fleeing Domestic Abuse and 1 x £75k to Derbyshire Law Centre, pump prime for 1 year to offer Specialist Advise to victims.

Decision

The Cabinet Member for Health and Communities approved the outlined proposal to enhance domestic abuse support by granting £20,000 annually for 2 years (2025-26 and 2026-27) to Crossroads for the Harmony Project which provides specialist refuge support to young women. 

Reasons for the decision

Providing the grant funding outlined to enhance domestic abuse support would enable more victims and survivors of abuse to access the dedicated support they need to move on and recover. 

Alternative options considered

Option 1 – Do nothing (not recommended).  The Harmony Project fills an identified gap in local provision for younger domestic abuse victims. By providing dedicated refuge support for young women the needs of victims and their families can be better met.