A domestic abuse charity in Brighton has been given a £60,000 boost by the Sussex police and crime commissioner Katy Bourne.
Mrs Bourne said that the money would help fund two new posts aimed at supporting young people affected by domestic abuse and unhealthy relationships.
The cash will be used by RISE (Refuge, Information, Support and Education) to pilot the new service, creating two specialist posts – a young people’s violence advocate and a young people’s counsellor.
The police and crime commissioner said: “Both roles will provide young people with age-specific support and advice, focusing on reducing risk and supporting with emotional recovery from domestic abuse in personal and family relationships.
“Young people will learn about the impacts of coercive and controlling behaviours and will be supported in understanding and navigating criminal and civil justice systems.
“Dedicated counselling and wellbeing support will also help young people to develop healthy coping mechanisms and to rebuild their confidence.
“During the pilot period, RISE aim to directly support up to 40 young people and 20 family members.
“Much of their work will take place in schools and young people’s provision settings.
“The charity say they will also work closely with youth workers hoping to benefit an additional 50 young people.”
Mrs Bourne added: “Domestic abuse is not just limited to ‘partner’ relationships – it can take place between parents and children, siblings or even extended relatives.
“It’s important that young people understand the misuse of power and control and, if they have been a victim of domestic abuse or an unhealthy relationship, that they are supported to cope and recover.
“The new specialist roles will be key in preventing further harm which can be crucial in breaking cycles of abuse or long-lasting trauma.
“I very much look forward to working closely with RISE and hearing about the outcomes of the pilot.”
RISE chief executive Jo Gough said: “RISE is pleased to be piloting this new service to help young people who are affected by domestic abuse and unhealthy relationships, with the support of Sussex police and crime commissioner Katy Bourne.
“That support is a powerful acknowledgment of both the existence of and importance of challenging abuse at all ages.
“Young people, as they work out who they are and how to be in the world, are primed to be responsive to external influences.
“This means they can be particularly susceptible to both enriching and destabilising cultural narratives.
“This pilot project gives us the opportunity to work with young people where they are, understanding what’s going on for them and helping them make the best choices they can for themselves.”
Where did the Police get £60,000 from?
Probably confiscated under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
I think it’s a crying shame that this isn’t taught in ALL schools, colleges and at Uni’s along with comprehensive money advice. Coercive control often involves financial control so both are incredibly important. It’s terrible in this day and age it’s still not compulsory subjects.
Domestic abuse basically is dealt with a first come first serve.
Generally males don’t report it if it involves a female .
If children are involved it’s a very scary situation to be in on that basis
It’s time these so called charities are called what they are – Just another public sector employer. When we’re taxed for the Police, I’d expect more Police, but no, spaff it again. Easy come, easy go.
I take the same stance toward misinformation, Lenny!
“Charities aren’t ‘extra public sector employers’. They’re usually independent, regulated organisations that often deliver services more cheaply than councils or the NHS could directly. In Brighton, these groups tend to raise their own funds and rely on volunteers alongside staff. They are an important element that fills gaps where government or council services can’t reach, and we are very lucky to have dedicated men and women towards these good causes.
Perhaps you could go volunteer yourself, Lenny? Might help to inform your opinion?
Jesus Benji
Get some help
Katy Bourne hands out tax-payers money to dozens of her good causes and releases press statements that are duly published.
There’s no oversight, questions . No-one knows if any of it achieves anything. Many times it seems to be an issue that is already covered by government and council services.
You could try and work out how much it all costs from her website but good luck with deciphering the all of figures
Try an FOI request and wait
That’s a conspiracy born from a lack of understanding around how charities actually work, Jon. Of course, there is oversight through the Charity Commission. We know how effective a charity is from the mandated and publicly accessible reporting. Charities can also be free of government policy and political framing to achieve a goal, even if it is something government and council services provide; they may tackle it in a way that the aforementioned may not be able to.
And Jon, my number one tip. If you don’t understand something next time, try asking a question in good faith instead. You’d be surprised how much you can learn.