A PROJECT dedicated to tackling domestic violence in the Watford area has won a lottery grant of more than £160,000.

Watford TurnAround, which runs a help group for male perpetrators of domestic violence and offers support to female victims, was awarded £163,585 over three years by the National Lottery's Community Fund.

The cash will go towards setting up a range of new services including a support for children who have witnessed domestic violence. A second group for male perpetrators is already planned to start by the end of the year.

TurnAround chairman and Watford mayor Sybil Tuckwood said: "We have been delighted to discover that the majority of men who attend our programme do so because they have decided for themselves that they want to stop being violent or abusive in their relationships and are seeking help in finding ways they can change.

"This of course, greatly reduces the risks and trauma experienced by their families. It is a prime example of lottery money making a difference."

The charity, based in St Albans Road, Watford, also plans to set up a service for young men aged 13 to 16 who may be learning patterns of violence and abuse from a parent and a counselling service for men who have completed the perpetrators programme.

October 16, 2001 20:35

Jo Stephenson