DOMESTIC abuse services in Newport will get a £200,000 boost from the Welsh Government.

It has awarded an extra £1.24 million to be shared amongst fourteen domestic abuse projects across Wales – and Newport will take a large proportion.

The funding across Wales is for large building and other infrastructure projects to help organisations provide facilities and support services for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Public services minister Leighton Andrews said: "The Welsh Government is determined to do all it can to help victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence and ensure they are supported to live safely in their communities.

“Many organisations are providing valuable services to victims and survivors.

"This funding will help them improve their facilities and build their capacity to provide timely and high quality support.

“It will also help ensure the effective implementation of the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act, which received Royal Assent in May."

Newport City Council, on behalf of the South East Wales Regional Partnership, will receive £200,000 to accommodate the regional Independent Domestic Violence Advocate Team, covering all five local authorities in Gwent.

Welsh Women’s Aid will also benefit, receiving £74,346 to buy IT equipment allowing consistent data collection by the charity’s members across Wales.