The Police and Crime Comissioner (PCC) Lorne Green has announced increased funding for domestic abuse charity Leeway.

Eastern Daily Press: Norfolk Police and Crime Commisssioner Lorne Green. Picture: ANTONY KELLYNorfolk Police and Crime Commisssioner Lorne Green. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

The PCC has pledged £360,000 to the cause over the last three years and funding will be increased by an additional £170,000 over the next two years, taking the total pledged to just under £2m.

The additional money will be used to employ two more independent domestic violence advisors, enabling the charity to support more victims across the county.

The funding comes as domestic crime figures in Norfolk continue to grow exponentially. Over the last 12 months, there have been 6,827 domestic abuse crimes in Norfolk.

Mr Green said Leeway deserved the utmost praise and support.

He said: 'Thank heavens for Leeway. I have nothing but praise for the work they are doing.

'The charity plays a vital role in our community, rebuilding the lives of people who have suffered from some of the most horrendous crimes.

'This county should be grateful and proud to have a service like Leeway. I have met with those involved with the charity and seen the difference their volunteers can make and I am extremely passionate about supporting their invaluable work.'

Mr Green said it was impossible to tell to what extent the increasing incidences of domestic abuse could be attributed to a growing willingness to report such crimes, but he said the ultimate aim was to reduce the number of domestic abuse crimes.

He said: 'Of course increased reporting of crimes can only be a good thing and we all have a responsibility to report crimes, so we can derive some satisfaction from the fact victims are coming forward. However, the real goal is to prevent these terrible abuses from happening in the first place.

'These crimes can be very high risk and it is crucial that we stop this abuse from happening while also supporting victims.'

This paper recently launched a campaign to raise £10,000 for Leeway. Kerri's Campaign is aiming to raise funds to build a new refuge in memory of Norwich mother Kerri McAuley, who was murdered by her ex-partner in January.

Kerri's mother Lesley said: 'I just want something good to come from Kerri's horrific death.'

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kerris-campaign