The Manx Lottery Trust, as delegated partner of Big Lottery Fund, has agreed to fund a SafeLives training course for a domestic violence advisor from Victim Support Isle of Man.

SafeLives is a course which has been created to strengthen the knowledge and skills of Independent Domestic Violence Advisors(IDVA).

Victim Support Isle of Man was formed to provide information, emotional support and practical advice to people who have been affected by domestic abuse and crime; they also offer support to families who have been affected by fatal car collisions.

Volunteers work to ensure there is someone available to offer confidential help and support. If required, they also liaise with local organizations, including the police and social services, to provide a safe environment for victims and their children.

Paula Gelling, Full-Time Manager at Victim Support Isle of Man, said: ‘We are immensely grateful for the support from Manx Lottery Trust. Being able to attend ‘Safe Lives’ is a key learning opportunity which will improve our work in reducing the impact of domestic abuse cases in the Island. The knowledge will be shared throughout our entire team and with our partner agencies.

‘The course is designed to enable advisors to help victims and their children feel safer through the provision of a quality IDVA response, engaging with those at risk of domestic violence, and practicing different support techniques.’

Lulu Gillow, Chair of the Manx Lottery Trust, added: ‘Over the last year in particular our stakeholders have made us more aware of the increase in reported incidences of domestic violence in the Island. Victim Support Isle of Man work immensely hard to provide help to those in need, and we are very happy to help them improve the quality of their crucial services.’

To find out more about the work of the Manx Lottery Trust visit: www.mlt.org.im.