Fourteen more women seeking to escape domestic violence will be able to receive help after Newham Council received funding to expand the service.

The Department for Communities and Local Government have handed over £91,000, which will support 10 single women and four with children until March.

Seven of these refuge spaces will be for women initially fleeing abusive relationships, while the others are designed to help them make the transition to independent living.

The scheme is supported by East Living, who have provided to renovated buildings for the new places, and Newham Asian Women’s Project.

A third partner, the City Bridge Trust, has provided an additional £30,000 for counselling services.

Cllr Ellie Robinson, cabinet member for oneSource and building communities, said: “We are committed to maintaining our refuge provision in order to provide an emergency response.

“This additional funding is helping us strengthen the service we provide to women and their children during this traumatic time, helping them not just escape abuse but to build a new life.

“It will also ensure that there is an even greater network of support and places offering safe havens in and around Newham.”

Currently there are 25 places provided by the council, with women also receiving counselling, advice on healthy relationships and training to help them find work.