Fresh funding agreed for domestic abuse charities

More than a dozen services supporting victims of domestic abuse, rape and sexual violence and stalking are set to share more than £3.1m as part of a fresh funding agreement.

A total of 18 specialist services across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire will split the money over the next two years as part of a new agreement.

Between April and September 2025, the organisations in question supported more than 2,600 victims across the Thames Valley.

The funding has been allocated by the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber, who said it would give organisations "more stability".

"We have some exceptional organisations supporting victim-survivors of these crimes in the Thames Valley," he said.

He said the fresh funding agreement would "ensure that victims will continue to have access to the vital support these 18 organisations provide".

Some services would also receive more funding than in previous years in "recognition of cost-of-living pressures and to ensure consistent salaries for specialist positions", Barber added.

One of the largest beneficiaries of the new funding agreement is Oxfordshire-based charity Reducing the Risk of Domestic Abuse.

Its chief executive Dawn Hodson said the money would be used to continue its specialist domestic abuse court service.

"This vital work ensures that victim-survivors across Thames Valley have expert, dedicated support when navigating the Criminal Justice System," she explained.

"Attending court can be an extremely stressful and daunting experience."

She said the charity's expert teams provided "tailored, trauma-informed support" which helped people "understand the process, feel prepared, and stay as safe as possible throughout".

"This is not just about getting through a court hearing – it is about safety, confidence and ensuring that victim-survivors are supported, respected and empowered at every stage," she added.