DORSET will share in a major funding boost of nearly £1 million to help support a project to prevent domestic abuse.

Nearly £1 million from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has been awarded to help stop domestic abuse in Dorset and Hampshire.

Dorset Council is backing Hampshire’s Hart District Council in its effort to end domestic abuse and support victims.

The money – the sum of which totals to £974,450 – will go towards continuing work into early intervention and education, helping those in hard to reach communities and supporting victims to ensure they are safe in their own homes.

Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Safety said: “We are really pleased to have secured this additional funding to help people affected by domestic abuse in Dorset. It’s important that vulnerable people are reached early. I’m pleased that we are taking on new initiatives from Hampshire, as well as sharing our work with them. This is proving to be making a difference in helping to keep people safe across our communities.”

Kirsty Jenkins, Head of Community Services at Hart, said: “I have seen the huge impact that these schemes have had on people’s lives and it is very exciting to know that we will be able to continue this successful work in Hart, and across Hampshire and Dorset.”

The project, which works to make homes safer and increase awareness in health services and among the community, has seen more than 170 champions trained across the county.

As a result of this funding boost, Dorset’s Dragonfly Project - which is provided by the You Trust - will be able to continue its work in the county for another 12 months.

Every year, some 1.3 million women and 600,000 men throughout the UK are subjected to some type of domestic violence and abuse.

A free, 24 hour helpline is available for anyone experiencing domestic abuse. The number to call is 0800 032 5204. Alternatively, visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/dvahelp