Domestic violence service could be extended

A service that helps victims of domestic abuse could continue for a further four years.

Rotherham's Domestic Abuse Refuge Service, currently run by charity Hopian (formerly Rotherham Rise), provides temporary accommodation to victims and their families and supports them to live independently.

The current contract is due to end in September and has now been recommended for recommissioning.

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council will make a decision at a meeting on 20 January.

The current contract consists of 18 units of supported, safe accommodation in Rotherham, including a refuge for women and children.

Recommissioning the service for four years, with the option to extend for a further two years, would ensure continuous service provision and stability for those who were currently accessing it, the council said.

The authority said 37 people had accessed and left the service during 2023/24, and between 16 and 29 children per quarter were also supported.

In 2023/2024, 69% of people who left the service were able to obtain their own settled accommodation, with 51% of these individuals finding housing within Rotherham.

The council plans to offer the current purpose-built refuge accommodation as an option to be used again.

Councillor Saghir Alam, cabinet member for finance and safe and clean communities, said: "Everyone deserves to feel happy, healthy and secure.

"As a council we want to empower everyone to lead fulfilling lives whilst also keeping them safe from harm.

"Providing high-quality support and safe accommodation for victims and survivors of domestic abuse forms part of this, which is why it's pleasing to hear of the positive outcomes of this service."

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.