Domestic abuse drop-in centres have opened in a bid to provide more support to victims across south Essex.

The £500,000 scheme is funding a domestic violence co-ordinator to help run the centres and to secure funding to ensure the project remains viable in the future.

Funding is also going towards supporting 28 refuge spaces in hostels which would have otherwise been lost.

Gavin Callaghan, chairman of Basildon Council’s policy and resources committee, said: “Domestic abuse is a serious problem and can affect people from all areas of our community. One in four women and one in six men will be victims and it’s not just physical abuse, it can be mental, emotional, sexual, financial control or harassment.

“These hubs are a big step towards keeping victims of domestic abuse safe from harm and are an example of what can be achieved when partners work together.

“But that isn’t all we can do. I’m committed to raising awareness of the different guises of domestic abuse and making sure that people know there is help available – and how they can access it.”

The launch of the drop-in centres follows a joint funding bid, led by Basildon Council, at the start of the year in which the Department for Communities and Local Government awarded the cash.

The council’s partners in the bid included Thurrock Council, the South Essex Rape and Incest Crisis Centre), Changing Pathways, Castle Point, Rochford, Brentwood and Basildon council along with Thurrock Citizens Advice Bureau and Essex Police, which supported the project.

The drop-in centres enable those fleeing or requiring advice regarding domestic abuse issues to be seen and their issues often dealt with in a single day without the need for repeat signposting to other services.

The centres are available at Rochford Council every other Monday, Basildon Council every Tuesday and at Thurrock Council every Friday.

For details about the times and locations of each centre contact Changing Pathways on 01268 729707.

For more information on the help available for victims of domestic abuse, visit basildon.gov.uk/domesticabuse