Merseyside’s deputy crime commissioner has today announced £175,000 of extra funding has been released to help victims cope and recover.

Councillor Ann O’Byrne pledged the money to help organisations improve and expand services currently on offer to help victims across Merseyside deal with the after-effects of crime.

The money will be focused on priority victims who are particularly vulnerable or high-risk, including those affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence or hate crime and support for young people who are at risk from gangs.

It will also be used to support victims who have been repeatedly and persistently targeted, and survivors of serious crime.

Victims’ charities voluntary organisations and service providers are invited to apply for grants of between £5,000 and £25,000.

Councillor O'Byrne said: “This money will be used to make a real difference to lives of victims of crime across Merseyside, giving them extra support to cope and recover.

“By providing these grants, the commissioner and I are giving a really significant cash boost to organisations that are providing vital services to victims on Merseyside, ensuring people who have been affected by crime are given the best possible care and support.

“We have released this funding in the hope that we will see some really innovative and specialist proposals as to how victims on Merseyside can be helped to recover from the harmful effects of crime and move on and lead successful and productive lives."

The funding is part of the deputy’s on-going "Putting Victims First" campaign.