A SERVICE which helps victims of domestic abuse has been granted £159,000 by City of York Council.
The Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS), will use the funds in York and Harrogate to extend its helpline for emergency support and advice to a 24-hour, seven days a week, service.
The grant will also allow round-the-clock staffing at IDAS refuges, and more training for staff to help support and resettle victims of domestic abuse.
Sarah Hill, Director of IDAS in York, said: "Domestic violence affects up to one in four women and is not a nine-to-five problem.
"I’m delighted that this extra funding is going to let us deliver 24-hour services, weekend cover and community provision so that we can provide a better quality and safer service to families when they need it."
Cllr Tracey Simpson-Laing, cabinet member for communities, said: "This boost will allow us to address the growing volume of referrals to the service, our waiting list and providing emergency accommodation to people with high support needs.
"Coupled with our ongoing campaigns to end domestic violence and to give victims timely and appropriate support to rebuild their lives, in line with our joint Domestic Abuse Strategy, this funding means we can now improve and extend our service."
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