Cash for domestic violence services (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Cash for domestic violence services

A SERVICE which provides help for victims of domestic violence across West Oxfordshire has received a £4,000 cash boost.

Oxfordshire District Council's Cabinet has agreed a grant towards the work of Oxfordshire Women's Aid.

They are the county's principal provider of refuge services for women and children fleeing domestic violence.

Councillor Hilary Biles, responsible for housing said: "The council has been supporting this valuable service for many years. For those fleeing domestic violence it is vital to have immediate help in the form of emergency accommodation and advice. Domestic violence is a serious and appalling crime affecting many women and children."

Oxfordshire Women's Aid is a 24-hour service and, in addition to emergency accommodation, they provide advice, information, practical and emotional support. Their helpline receives hundreds of calls each year.

Almost one fifth of all recorded crime in England and Wales is related to domestic abuse.

There were 261 incidents of domestic violence recorded in West Oxfordshire in 2003/04.