"We laugh and dance every day. We talk about Cher every day.

Mandy Geraghty, chief executive officer of Peterborough Woman's Aid, said she would like to see The Dahlia Project rolled out nationwide, adding that although Harshita Brella was not local, a case like hers was "the whole reason" the project was started."There is evidence there's a need but with the funding being stopped we'll have to downsize," she said.

"I truly believe that lives could be lost if the government doesn't invest in 'by and for' projects like the Dhalia."Jess Phillips, the minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, said: "Halving violence against women and girls is our absolute priority."There are certain cases where we have chosen not to renew some grants. In these cases we will reinvest the budget in future schemes, in order to best deliver this critical mission."

Det Supt Sherrie Nash, from Cambridgeshire Constabulary, said the force had been working to "upskill officers around cultural competence".She added: "We recognise the immense bravery it takes for any survivor to report to the police.... We are always seeking ways to improve our responses.

"We remain resolutely committed to tackling domestic abuse and encourage any victim to contact us, where they will be fully supported."

After receiving help from the project, Sandy said she felt like a "totally different person"."At the moment we have a postcode lottery across England, in different places you have different restrictions on the times that people who have a disabled bus pass can use it.

"We know many people want to use them to go to hospital appointments, to go to work, to employment, to education and training and, at a time when people are worried about potential cuts to disability benefits, the restrictions on those bus passes just adds to that additional cost."A DfT spokesperson said: "We fully recognise bus passes are vital to many and provide access to job opportunities, essential services, and keep people connected.

"Local authorities have the power to extend the times when disabled passholders can use their concessionary bus passes locally, and 77% offer free travel before 9.30am."We're already in the process of making ambitious reforms to improve bus services for passengers, supporting local areas to improve reliability and helping to cap fares."