Sussex PCC funds domestic abuse help scheme for young people

A charity has been given £60,000 to pilot a new service aimed at helping young people affected by domestic abuse and unhealthy relationships.

Funding from Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne will see the charity RISE create two new specialist roles – a young people’s violence advocate and a young people’s counsellor.

During the pilot scheme, the Brighton-based charity aims to directly support up to 40 young people and 20 family members.

RISE chief executive Jo Gough said the support of Bourne was a “powerful acknowledgement of both the existence of, and importance of challenging, abuse at all ages”.

Young people will learn about the impacts of coercive and controlling behaviours and will be supported in understanding the criminal and civil justice systems.

Dedicated counselling will also be available to help those who engage with the service develop healthy coping mechanisms.

RISE aims to benefit an additional 50 young people through close collaboration with youth workers.

“Young people, as they work out who they are and how to be in the world, are primed to be responsive to external influences,” Ms Gough said.

Bourne said she believed it was important for young people to understand that domestic abuse can “take place between parents and children, siblings or even extended relatives”.

She added: “It’s important that young people understand the misuse of power and control and, if they have been a victim of domestic abuse or an unhealthy relationship, that they are supported to cope and recover.”