Focus on domestic violence

A NATIONAL campaign to highlight domestic violence is coinciding with a local initiative to improve women's safety.

Suffolk Police Authority's Partnership Fund was established to assist projects which help make Suffolk a safer place in which to live.

Each year, the authority selects a partnership subject and then invites funding applications from groups and individuals running or planning projects with that theme.

This year, the theme is "helping women feel safer" – and the Police Authority's invitation for applications is timely, coming in the week when the BBC is highlighting domestic violence issues.

Christine Laverock, chairman of Suffolk Police Authority, said this year's theme had been chosen as research suggested that men felt safer than women in Suffolk.

She said: "Both the police authority and Suffolk Constabulary are committed to making Suffolk the safest county in the country – but we recognise that this can only be achieved by working in partnership with the community.

"We hope that initiatives such as the Partnership Fund will encourage people to play their part in maintaining and improving the high quality of life enjoyed in our county.

"This year, we are looking for a variety of initiatives which can help women feel safer. We would particularly welcome fresh and innovative approaches to reducing crime against women and reducing their fear of crime too."

The total amount available in the fund is £25,000.

Applications are invited from all areas of the county. Applicants should ensure that their proposals state how they will contribute to making Suffolk the safest county in the country by April 2006.

Application forms are available by contacting the clerk's office at St Helen Court, County Hall, Ipswich IP4 2JS. Telephone 01473 584119 or 584118 or e-mail ian.rands@legal.suffolkcc.

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