Additional funding for Mansfield charity NIDAS to help support children affected by domestic abuse

Some £1 million has been awarded to the group by Caroline Henry, Nottinghamshire police and crime commissioner, to help tackle a growing need for support for some of the county’s most vulnerable children.

A number of organisations have partnered with the office of the police commissioner in a bid to improve the offer for children directly affected by domestic abuse in Nottinghamshire, including Nottinghamshire Independent Domestic Abuse Services, Equation, Imara, Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid and JUNO Women’s Aid.

The organisations are offering various support services, including therapeutic mother and child group programmes, early years specialist training, creative therapies, and support to primary age children through therapeutic conversations.

It comes after Nottinghamshire Police recorded more than 4,000 domestic abuse crimes in 2021-2022, which happened when at least one child was present.

Mrs Henry said: “The trauma of experiencing or witnessing domestic abuse can be life-changing for children, making them more vulnerable to becoming a victim or perpetrator of further crimes in later life.

“This funding will allow us to help more children at the earliest opportunity, giving them a better chance of recovering from harm and going on to lead a normal life.”

Sarah Dagley, NIDAS chief executive officer, said: “At NIDAS, one of the most important aspects of the work we do is to ensure those affected by domestic abuse have the best opportunity to rebuild their lives and recover after abuse.”