THE government has given a grant of more than £75,000 to provide more safe accommodation and support in Bolton borough for women fleeing domestic abuse.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said the cash would help protect victims and their children from violent and controlling partners.

The cash, channelled through Bolton Council, will support the borough's long-standing Fortalice and Endeavour specialist domestic abuse services.

Fortalice operates a refuge with 22 bed spaces for high risk female victims and their children. It also help male victims fleeing abuse.

The cash will support its work with women with mental health problems and drug and alcohol addiction issues.

Endeavour is the only organisation of its kind to deal with pets in families fleeing abuse. They have a base on Chorley New Road and run projects across Bolton

Trafford Council led a joint bid for cash on behalf of itself and its local authority counterparts in Bolton ,Salford and Stockport.

The bid succeeded it winning a grant of £258,884.66 for the four councils of which Bolton received £75,503.94

The grant comes as Mr Jenrick reintroduced the Domestic Abuse Bill legally redefining the offence to include economic, controlling and manipulative non-physical behaviour.

He awarded £16.6million nationally to make provision across England consistent.

Bolton Council’s communities boss Cllr Nadim Muslim said: “The news that the government is investing this money into domestic abuse services is welcomed.

“We know how important refuge services are and the money will make a real difference to both Fortalice and Endeavour and the invaluable services they provide.

“Both organisations work tirelessly to combat domestic abuse and violence.

"The funding enables the provision of support for vulnerable domestic abuse victims with complex needs.

“It will allow Fortalice to continue to employ a Drugs and Alcohol Worker and a Mental Health Worker within its refuge.

“It means Endeavour will be able to continue its work with domestic abuse victims with complex needs living in properties in Bolton for whom a refuge may not be suitable.

“We've worked with our colleagues at other councils and the providers, to identify what services would be the most appropriate to help people who need this kind of support.

"This joint approach between boroughs within Greater Manchester will help us to help more people."

Mr Jenrick said: "“No victim of domestic abuse should have to struggle to get the right support, or wait months for help they need."