New funding to speed up access to support for victims of domestic abuse

Victims and survivors of domestic abuse across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough can access specialist support more quickly thanks to a new countywide service commissioned by Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Darryl Preston.

The service, which began on 1 April, provides early emotional and practical support, safety planning and access to specialist services for adult victims and survivors of police-reported domestic abuse who are assessed as being at medium risk of harm and who consent to receive support.

Delivered by Peterborough Women's Aid, specialist domestic abuse practitioners, embedded within the PCC-funded Victim and Witness Hub, contact victims and survivors within 72 hours of receiving a referral.

Practitioners make up to three attempts to establish contact, offer support, undertake further risk assessment where appropriate and help people access additional or longer-term support based on their needs and circumstances.

During the first quarter of 2026/27, the service received 468 police referrals and supported 382 individuals. Every eligible victim and survivor referred to the service was contacted within the 72-hour target.

The commissioned service builds on a successful 12-month pilot delivered by Peterborough Women's Aid. During the pilot, 1,500 referrals were received and 1,182 victims and survivors were supported, demonstrating both strong demand for rapid access to specialist support and the value of early engagement following police referral.

Following a competitive procurement process, Peterborough Women's Aid was awarded a three-year contract to continue delivering the service.

Since April 2026, the commissioned model has introduced extended opening hours, the option for individuals to arrange contact at a more suitable time and access to video-based support where appropriate.

Co-designed in partnership between Peterborough Women's Aid, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Cambridgeshire Constabulary, local authorities and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership, the service supports police in delivering their responsibilities under the Victims' Code by enabling prompt referrals to specialist support services following a report to police.

Darryl said: “I’m proud of the new service and the impact it had throughout the pilot. These appalling crimes leave long-lasting emotional and psychological scars, and we must not miss any opportunity to save lives and promote healing.

“The model’s success is evidenced by the sheer volume of victims supported over the initial year of delivery. There is no doubt that this service is urgently needed and valued.

“This is partnership working at its best and serves as a shining example of a victim-first approach. By supporting vulnerable victims quickly and in the way they need, we will build trust in policing and the wider criminal justice system which is crucial for encouraging future victims to come forward.”

Supporting victims and witnesses is a key priority in the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan. The service demonstrates his commitment to ensuring victims receive the right support at the right time, helping them cope, recover and rebuild their lives, while strengthening specialist support for survivors of domestic abuse across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Welcoming the funding, the CEO of Peterborough Women’s Aid, Mandy Geraghty, said: “We are incredibly proud to provide this service, which ensures that victims are contacted within 72 hours, providing timely support when it is needed most.

“By working in close partnership with the police and the Victim and Witness Hub, we are creating a seamless, quick response that puts victims at the centre of everything we do. Early intervention can make a life-changing difference - helping people feel heard, supported and empowered to access the services they need.

“The success of this collaborative approach demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations work together with a shared commitment to improving outcomes for victims of domestic abuse."