A course which helps women living with domestic abuse has been boosted by a grant in a bid to tackle the ‘staggering increase’ in reported cases.

The Freedom Programme – an initiative run by the Letchworth and Baldock Children’s Centre group together with its Hitchin and Rural Children’s Centre branches – has been awarded £2,160 by the North Herts Community Safety Partnership Joint Action Group.

The two-hour courses – which start in January – aim to help female victims of domestic abuse share their experiences, build a support network, and give them the courage to keep themselves and their children safe.

Councillor Tony Hunter, who is responsible for community engagement at North Herts District Council, said: “There has been a staggering increase in domestic abuse cases being reported in the UK over recent years.

“This course gives practical help and advice to any woman who has had in the past, or is still experiencing domestic abuse.

“It gives them the confidence to identify that when they are in an unsafe situation they will be listened to and given support.”