A new £1.5m grant will provide vital support to victims of domestic abuse across Suffolk.

Tim Passmore, Suffolk's police and crime commissioner, awarded the three-year grant to Leeway Domestic Violence Abuse Services earlier this week.

The grant, which was commissioned by Mr Passmore, will help Suffolk's Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) service continue to provide specialist support dedicated to the individual needs of domestic abuse victims.

The IDVA was launched in 2014, with funding previously coming from Lighthouse Women's Aid.

Mr Passmore said: 'I am absolutely delighted to be able to provide this service to victims by funding this invaluable IDVA service. I'm particularly pleased that this service is independent from the Constabulary, which is more reassuring to those who choose, for whatever reason, not to report their abuse to the police.

'Since becoming Suffolk's PCC in 2012 I have seen just how huge an issue domestic abuse is in the county and how important it is to make sure the victims of this crime are properly supported.'

He added: 'I look forward to working with Leeway and would like to take this opportunity to thank Lighthouse Women's Aid who have provided this vital service for the past three years.'

Leeway's Mandy Proctor said the charity is 'delighted' to now be running Suffolk's IDVA service.

She said: 'It is an important service and we are committed to working in partnership with other agencies to ensure we provide high-quality support to those experiencing domestic abuse.'

High risk domestic abuse victims identified by police, health and refuge worked will be referred to the IDVA service, which will in turn provide safety planning, personal support and updates as the case progresses through the criminal justice system.

Mr Passmore issued a rallying cry for victims of domestic abuse to get in touch for the help they deserve.

He said: 'Victims are the absolute focus of our work and it is most important that they have the confidence to report. Please don't suffer in silence, help is available and if you don't want to report to the police you can call Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care in confidence on 0300 303 3706 or 0808 16 89 111 and they will direct you to the most appropriate support.'