A major funding boost for Rutland and Leicestershire groups to help survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence has been announced.

Rutland's Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has welcomed new funding to increase help such groups to increase support for new victims and survivors.

Providers across Leicestershire and Rutland are being invited to apply for a share of a £4.2m pot from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).

Funding will be available to boost community-based support services as well as expand the provision of Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA) and Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA).

The funding includes £2.8m from the Critical Support Fund which will see £1.5m invested into community-based support services for victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse and £1.3m for ISVA/IDVA roles.

A further £1.4m is available for male rape support services from the Male Rape Support Service Fund.

Mr Matthews is now urging providers to submit applications to help him deliver specialist help - quickly - to victims and survivors across the county.

Interested parties are urged to submit their applications to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner by close of play on June 23 2021.

He said: "When I became PCC, I promised to do more to protect the most vulnerable people in our communities, especially victims of abuse and violence who have suffered physically or psychologically – or both – and are in greatest need of our support.

"I will make sure the police protect victims and survivors now - but I am also determined to do all I can to prevent vulnerable people from being exploited or abused in the future by commissioning the right services and support that meets their recovery needs.

"Our community partners already do a fantastic job in difficult and challenging circumstances but there is scope to deliver so much more. Demand for support has spiralled during the pandemic and it is critical we are there when called upon.

"Extra funding will ensure providers across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are not only better equipped to meet demand but have the resources they need to deliver a high-quality service to survivors."

ISVAs provide practical and emotional support for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence, helping them to cope with the impacts of the crime and improving their recovery. IDVAs have responsibility for safety planning and organise other support for domestic abuse survivors including help to navigate the court system.

For more information on eligibility criteria, visit the website