DOMESTIC abuse services in North Yorkshire are to get £12,300 a month in funding from City of York Council.

The deal was agreed by senior councillors last week, adding up to £738,000 over the next five years. The money will be paid to North Yorkshire's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), with more funding from the PCC and North Yorkshire County Council.

Cllr Carol Runciman, who sits on the ruling executive committee at City of York, said: "Domestic violence and abuse remains a hideous stain on our society and unfortunately, largely a hidden crime. We look at every opportunity possible to tackle this horrendous crime, which affects families so badly, and work to remove it once and for all.

“There is still a lot more work to be done, but with this additional investment, more services can be awarded contracts, through the Domestic Abuse Joint Commissioning Group, to support victims and witnesses of abuse, and ensure they receive the support they need.”

The money will help fund support for both victims and perpetrators, but is separate from the funding for IDAS's women's refuge.