Justice Minister has highlighted the important
contribution of voluntary and community organisations in
supporting victims and tackling domestic and sexual abuse.
During a visit to Nexus, the Minister heard about the
organisation's Rise Up project, which received funding through
the Small Grant Scheme.
The Rise Up project was one of a range of initiatives funded
through the scheme to provide practical, community-based support
and contribute to the delivery of the Domestic and Sexual Abuse
Strategy.
The Minister said: Voluntary and community organisations play a
vital role in supporting victims of domestic and sexual abuse and
in helping us to address the devastating impact that abuse can
have on individuals, families and communities.
Over the past two years, the Small Grant Scheme has supported 26
projects, with more than £550,000 invested in initiatives which
contribute directly to the objectives of the Domestic and Sexual
Abuse Strategy. That represents a significant investment in the
voluntary and community sector and, importantly, enables
organisations with specialist knowledge and strong links within
their communities to develop projects which respond to identified
needs.
The breadth of projects supported demonstrates the value of
working in partnership with the sector. Each of the 26 projects
has provided another opportunity to reach people, raise
awareness, strengthen support and help tackle domestic and sexual
abuse.
The visit has given me the opportunity to see how that investment
translates into work on the ground through Nexus' Rise Up
project. I want to acknowledge the commitment of Nexus and all of
the organisations which have delivered projects through the
scheme.
Joanne Barnes, Chief Executive of Nexus, said: We were delighted
to discuss with the Minister how the Small Grants Scheme has
enabled the community and voluntary sector to trial new and
innovative approaches to working with people impacted by abuse
and abusive relationships.
The Rise Up Project delivered specialist therapeutic support to
children and young people affected by sexual abuse. Safe,
trauma-informed support was provided to help them build
resilience, strengthen coping skills, and begin recovery.
In conclusion, the Minister said: Domestic and sexual abuse
cannot be addressed by government alone. Working in partnership
with the voluntary and community sector has ensured that
resources have been directed towards projects which have made a
meaningful difference to victims, families and communities.
Notes to editors:
- The Small Grant Scheme was launched by the Ministers of
Justice and Health in 2024, under the Domestic and Sexual Abuse
Strategy, to support community and voluntary organisations in
their essential work with victims of domestic and/or sexual
abuse.
