A NEW centre to support victims of domestic violence is set to open costing more than half a million pounds.

A location is yet to be confirmed for the centre which will serve victims in Basildon, Castle Point, Rochford, Southend and Thurrock.

It is one of three due to be created by Essex County Council in a bid to provide a “one front door” service.

It is hoped the centres will open next spring and will operate for at least five years, once contracts with providers are agreed.

Each centre will provide accommodation, independent domestic violence advisors and outreach services.

In addition there will be a single point of access for victims to contact which will provide information and operate as a special service.

A report to the council’s cabinet stated existing services have recently experienced “significant” growth in demand, putting them under strain at busy times of the year.

It follows a reported rise in reports.

Across Essex, an estimated 66,000 adults are affected by domestic abuse annually but the majority of domestic abuse victims are not known to public services.

Last year Essex Police recorded more than 33,000 domestic abuse incidents.

Existing grant funded services which include, for example, the National Stalking Support Services will continue as these will complement the newly commissioned service.

News of a fresh facility comes in the same week as another abusive partner was jailed.

Russell Tibbs, 29, of Charleston Avenue, Basildon, was sent to prison for 18 months.

Tibbs stopped his partner of a year from seeing her family, monitored her phone and even forced her to keep the bathroom unlocked.

Tibbs admitted a series of offences at Basildon Crown Court against both his partner and a friend of hers who he falsely accused her of having an affair with.

Tibbs received nine month sentences for theft, affray and coercive behaviour and three month sentences for criminal damage and assault. He also received nine months, to run consecutively, for witness intimidation and was handed a restraining order.