Extra cash for victims of domestic and sexual violence in Surrey

Support services which help victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence in Surrey have been awarded £450,000.

The money was given by the Ministry of Justice following a successful application by the county's police and crime commissioner, Kevin Hurley.

It will be spent on reducing waiting times for counselling and additional services in refuges.

It will also be used to help support victims through the court process.

Mr Hurley said: "We know that outreach and support services are truly a lifeline for vulnerable victims of devastating crimes."

He said the Ministry of Justice had been running a competitive process for PCCs around the country to bid for additional funding.

Jane Anderson, assistant police and crime commissioner for victims, said the extra money will support a "wide range of activities".

"From providing boxes of essentials like toiletries, bedding and towels to families arriving in refuge centres for the first time through to building the specialist skills and capacity of the people working in victim support roles around the county."