Huge funding windfall for domestic abuse charities in Greater Manchester

Organisations working to support women and girls who have suffered domestic abuse or been the victim of sexual offences are set to receive a £680,000 windfall.

Collectively, they said the news would help keep vulnerable women safe and allow them to access better support.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority said it has secured the funding from the Home Office to help provide support services.

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The money will being allocated to five different organisations already working across the city-region - Cheetham Hill-based Safety4Sisters, the New Step for African Communities (NESTAC) charity in Rochdale, Olive Pathway in Wythenshawe, Rochdale Women's Welfare Association and the charity Saheli.

The GMCA said all five work with women within black, Asian and minority communities. Civic leaders said a lack of provision for women who have no recourse to public funds has been highlighted by the Domestic Abuse Commissioner.

"It means without vital services like these, these women have nowhere else to turn and are often forced to return to their abuser. This is something which has a disproportionate impact on black, Asian and minority communities," said a GMCA statement. "Work will begin immediately to create a hub for services for women with complex issues to be responded to by one team, making it easier to access advice from specialist services."

It's part of a £8.3 million Home Office fund being provided to organisations across England and Wales.

Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, Kate Green, said: "The abuse of women and girls is deep-rooted in gender inequality and addressing this is a major priority for us