Boris Johnson has pledged £100,000 to help domestic violence victims in Richmond.

The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (Mopac) has provided the cash injection for a new service called Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVA).

The scheme will be delivered by Refuge, a charity that provides support for female and child victims of domestic violence.

IDVA aims to identify domestic abuse victims after concerns were raised that many incidents in the borough were going unreported.

Councillor Tony Arbour, cabinet member for community safety, said: “Tackling domestic violence is a hugely important priority for the police nationally and this council at a local level.

“This £100,000 from Mopac will enable Refuge to reach out to more victims of domestic violence with support to make a huge difference in the lives of people affected by this criminal behaviour.

“I am very happy to see a substantial amount of funding earmarked to help some of the most vulnerable and in-need people in our borough.”

A portion of the fund will also go towards helping to tackle gangs and reducing re-offending and antisocial behaviour.

For information, visit refuge.org.uk.