SUSSEX has been awarded almost £1 million from the Home Office to tackle violence against women and girls.

The money will go towards educational projects focused on "changing attitudes and behaviours" and towards installing additional lighting and CCTV.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne said the deaths of Sarah Everard and teacher Sabina Nessa had “brought the epidemic of male violence against women into sharp focus”.

The Argus: Sussex PCC Katy Bourne said violence against women had been brought into focusSussex PCC Katy Bourne said violence against women had been brought into focus

The funds will help to pay for an expansion of CCTV at Brighton War Memorial and the Old Steine and Hastings Alexandra Park.

The money will also be used to fund extra beach patrol schemes in Rye, Eastbourne, Worthing, East Grinstead and Billingshurst.

While students in Year 8 at secondary schools across Sussex will be given “healthy relationship” sessions, focusing on harassment, toxic masculinity and misogyny.

A Safe Space Sussex app will also be developed after the website was relaunched during the first lockdown.

It is an online directory of local victim services which has been equipped with a new search tool so that victims of any crime in Sussex can find the service they need within seconds.

PCC Katy Bourne said: “The events of the past few weeks have brought the epidemic of male violence against women into sharp focus, but we also have to acknowledge that this is a deep-rooted and ongoing societal problem.

"I am delighted that Sussex has been awarded the fourth highest amount of any area in the country.

“My team will work alongside Sussex Police, Brighton and Hove City Council, East Sussex County Council and West Sussex County Council to implement a series of training programmes in schools teaching young people about the importance of healthy relationships and how to address sexism and misogyny.

“The monies will also allow me to invest further in lighting, CCTV and volunteer street pastors and beach patrols as well as co-ordinating and driving an effective and lasting response to male violence against women and girls.”

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