ORGANISATIONS that support domestic abuse and sexual violence survivors in North Yorkshire are being urged to bid for extra money.

North Yorkshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner is encouraging organisations who offer domestic abuse and sexual violence support services to apply for additional funding to help their work during the Coronavirus crisis.

Julia Mulligan has been working with the government for a number of weeks to bring forward a package of support during the pandemic.

Now The Ministry of Justice has announced it is investing £20 million in such services nationally.

Bids for funding will be assessed by the Commissioner’s team in North Yorkshire and due to the urgent need for the support for those victims and survivors, the government is committed to distributing the money as soon as possible.

Organisations, who must be a charity, charitable incorporated organisation, social enterprise or community interest company, can apply for the Covid-19 extraordinary funding.

Bids are open to all involved in providing support services, whether currently funded by the Commissioner or not.

The money can be used to address costs associated with the pandemic until October 31.

This will include covering short term disruption to income, essential costs of sustaining current activities or addressing increased demand.

Ms Mulligan said: “I know that the Covid-19 pandemic has put a huge strain on many families, with charities reporting a huge increase in demand for their services, which is why I have been working hard to secure this additional investment.

“The fund will help ensure that organisations across North Yorkshire who help survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence have the support they need at a time when their services are sadly in demand more than ever.”

National charities have expressed concern that lockdown is leading to heightened tensions in households.

Campaigners and domestic violence charities have warned that enforced isolation could lead to a 'pandemic' in domestic violence cases.

And Crimestoppers has launched a regional campaign calling on people to help protect those vulnerable to abuse and to report any suspicions to the police or relevant organisations.

Applications for the extra funding for North Yorkshire groups must be received by noon on Monday, June 1 and will be assessed quickly with payments being made as soon as possible.

To make an application, download the simple funding request form at www.northyorkshire-pfcc.gov.uk/news/dafunding/ and return to sarah.arnott@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.