Thrive Women’s Aid Celebrates National Lottery Bidding Success

Thrive Women’s Aid has won a £500,000 bid to The National Lottery Community Fund to improve victim experience and confidence in Neath Port Talbot in partnership with South Wales Police.

The funds which were awarded through the National Lottery’s People and Places programme will help to coordinate a new domestic abuse intervention project within the Neath Port Talbot area called RAPID; aiming to tackle domestic abuse, and to improve victim safety and experience.

The development of RAPID was born from a research exercise implemented by Thrive Women’s Aid and South Wales Police Public Protection Unit in Neath Port Talbot in April 2021 to learn more about the issues, barriers and challenges experienced by victims who engage with the Police following an incident of domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking or harassment.

Results from the research, which involved a survey and in-depth interviews with domestic abuse and violence victims helped to shape the project which will improve police response and experience of victims, at the point of the incident.

The project will enhance police knowledge, understanding, skills and procedures in dealing with all forms of domestic abuse, and create a clearer pathway for victims to navigate available support and understand how the criminal justice system works.

Lucy Reynolds, Chief Executive of Thrive said: “We are incredibly proud of our team and grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund for providing us with an opportunity that will make a huge difference to victims of domestic violence. It is hoped that the RAPID programme will increase Police Officer’s knowledge of domestic abuse, coercive control, stalking and harassment whilst enhancing measures to protect victims – improving their ability and confidence in reporting crimes.”

Superintendent Eve Davies from South Wales Police highlighted: “The success of this lottery bid will be able to help and support some of the most vulnerable within society. Domestic abuse and violence is a priority for South Wales Police and we fully acknowledge that we must continue to work jointly with our key partners to support those in need, signpost to support services and do everything we can to offer prevention advice through education.”