Domestic abuse victims in Norfolk will receive millions in extra support, the government has announced.

Councils across the region have been awarded the cash as part of a £125m drive to make sure authorities can provide refuges and shelters to victims and their children.

Support can include services like healthcare, involvement of social workers and assistance with benefits.

Norfolk County Council has been awarded £1,811,177, while district, city and borough councils will get a share of £228,096. On average, Norfolk's second-tier authorities will get around £32,580. The breakdown is as follows:

  • South Norfolk £33,363
  • Broadland £33,104
  • King's Lynn and West Norfolk £32,891
  • Norwich £32,706
  • Great Yarmouth £32,392
  • North Norfolk £32,164
  • Breckland £31,476

The government said the funds can also be used for interpreters, immigration advice, drug or alcohol support and that other specialist services will also be funded and made available so that anyone who flees their home gets the help they need.

Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Chair of Norfolk’s Health and Wellbeing Board, Cllr Bill Borrett, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive funding from the Government to strengthen our response to the Domestic Abuse Act (2021).

"Ultimately, the extra funding will allow us to give victim-survivors of Domestic Abuse and their children across Norfolk both practical and emotional support to recover and rebuild their lives.”

The funding will go towards:

  • Safe accommodation and support services such as supporting survivors to get new accommodation, help with safety planning, emotional support, mental health support for victim-survivors as well as their children
  • Provision of specialist children’s workers in safe accommodation
  • ‘Co-production’ working with Domestic Abuse victim-survivors to understand their experiences and putting their voices at the heart of decision making in relation to support in safe accommodation services
  • Provide opportunities to increase the amount of support in safe accommodation.
  • Ensuring that Year 2 of the Support in Safe Accommodation 2021-2024 can be implemented.

Rough sleeping and housing minister Eddie Hughes MP said: "This funding will give victims of domestic abuse and their children across the country the practical and emotional support to recover and rebuild their lives from this terrible crime.

"Through the landmark Domestic Abuse Act, the government has transformed the response to domestic abuse, helping to prevent offending and make sure victims are protected and supported."

This week the government launched a consultation on housing rules, with the aim of giving victims more choice on where there rebuild their lives.