Tackling Domestic Abuse in Warwickshire
Warwickshire County Council’s Cabinet have approved a three-year Domestic Abuse strategy.
Working with a variety of partner organisations, the project aims to improve the quality of life for people across the county, tackling the causes and effects of domestic abuse, by:
* Ensuring safety and support needs of those experiencing domestic abuse are met through well-resourced, safe, accessible services
* Protection and Justice – to ensure perpetrators are both supported to change their behaviour and held accountable through a co-ordinated response, which does not compromise safety of victims and children
* Prevention and early intervention - to reduce incidents of domestic abuse and ensure that it is confronted and challenged so that victims, perpetrators and families can access services earlier
* Ensuring children and young people, who have witnessed domestic abuse, are able to access appropriate services and that children and young people are given the skills to build relationships based on respect and equality
The strategy is supported by annual action plans which will build on the current provision of services available county-wide and the successful work already under taken by various partner agencies as part of ‘Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse’.
Cllr Richard Hobbs, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Domestic Abuse, said: “Domestic Abuse affects one in four women and one in six men nationally – it will not be tolerated in Warwickshire.
“We have made some great progress across the county including a helpline and outreach referral service for victims; a specialist domestic abuse website has been setup – http://www.talk2someone.org.uk; and specialist domestic abuse courts have been set up in Nuneaton, Stratford and Rugby.
”But we feel more can be achieved and this strategy allows us to build on what has already been implemented, further protecting the community from harm.”
If you are affected by domestic abuse or know someone who is, there is further information available at http://www.talk2someone.org.uk.
A free helpline is also available - 0800 408 1552, open between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 5pm Saturday – which will give information and direct you to the appropriate service for further guidance.
However, if you are in immediate danger contact Warwickshire Police by dialling 999 - don’t put yourself or your family at risk. Warwickshire Police can also be contacted on 01926 415000.