Over £7 million in funding will be injected into local services supporting victims of domestic abuse.

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has secured £741,942.00 to support the work to stop repeated abuse of victims and vulnerable people.

The funding, provided by the Home Office, will be invested in a service across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to work with the perpetrators of domestic violence and help them to change their behaviours. It will also be used to provide support to their victims.

Welcoming the financial boost, Rupert Matthews said: "I'm clear that prevention of crime is vital. I'm equally clear that reducing domestic abuse and stalking is an absolute must. This money will help us to reduce the number of victims not just now, but in the future, while providing enhanced support for victims and those at risk."

Many domestic abusers are repeat offenders, with 83% of male offenders repeating their offences within a six-month period.

This makes intervening to stop their pattern of behaviour essential in order to protect victims.

Click here to find out more about how domestic abuse survivors can access support.