MORE than half a million pounds has been given to South Essex Domestic Abuse Hubs to secure their future for the next two years.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government have given £541,055 in funding for the hubs, which were set up in various locations across South Essex last year.

The funding will also support 28 refuge spaces and funds specialist outreach support, counselling and recovery programmes for victims as well as a dedicated team who deliver the hubs, support victims and formulate bids for future funding to ensure the project remains viable in the future.

The hubs see staff from a number of services including housing, Citizen’s Advice, Changing Pathways and Essex Police work together with the domestic abuse co-ordinator to provide a one-stop shop approach to supporting victims.

They enable those fleeing or requiring advice regarding domestic abuse issues to be seen by a dedicated case worker who can pull together a support package and the services they need into one place.

Don Morris, Basildon Council’s housing committee chairman, said: "I’m pleased that the MHCLG recognise the invaluable support our domestic abuse hubs give our residents by continuing this vital funding.

"One in four women and one in six men will be victims of domestic abuse which isn’t just physical. The abuse can be mental, emotional, financial control, bullying or harassment – and that’s not an extensive list.

"We need to make it as easy as possible for victims to get the help and support they need and domestic abuse hubs are one way of doing that.”

For details about the times and locations of each hub, contact Changing Pathways on 01268 729707.