Black Country abuse charity given cash boost after spike in domestic violence
A Black Country charity is to be given nearly £900,000 to help survivors after incidents of sexual abuse and domestic violence increased by 30 per cent during the pandemic.
Sandwell-based Black Country Women’s Aid (BCWA) is to receive the cash over three years after councillors heard of the rise between April and December last year.
The number of victims in the most high-risk cases have increased by 10 per cent during the same period.
Councillor Farut Shaeen, cabinet member for living healthy lives, proposing an extension to the grant said: “Sandwell Council has granted aided Women’s Aid for many years to provide specialist community support for victims of domestic abuse, sexual assaults and their families.
“The support victims get from BCWA is vital in helping to reduce victimisation, harm and homicides.”
A meeting of the borough’s cabinet heard BCWA helps people across the Black Country and since 2018 has supported 4,426 victims of domestic abuse and 478 victims of rape and sexual violence in Sandwell.
Between 2107 and 2019 reports of rape and sexual violence to the police increased by 30 per cent in the borough. The grant will see Women’s Aid receive £287,268 per year starting in April.
Councillor Maria Crompton, deputy leader of the council, approving the cash input said: “It’s a vital, vital support to people in Sandwell. I wish we didn’t need it but I know we hugely do need it.”
The grant was passed unanimously.
Black Country Women’s Aid can be contacted by calling its 24-hour helpline on 0121 552 6448. Text or WhatsApp on 07384 466 181 (9am-9pm Monday to Friday).
If you are worried about your behaviour towards others, call the Respect Helpline on 0808 802 4040. In an emergency call 999.
