County Council Backs Domestic Violence Campaign

The county council has thrown its weight behind a campaign cracking down on domestic violence.

Staffordshire's Domestic Violence Co-ordinators, whose posts are partly funded by the county council, as well as district community safety partnerships have taken part in an event to raise awareness of domestic violence. They hung 132 socks on a washing line outside County Buildings in Martin Street Stafford as part of a campaign to hang domestic violence offences high and dry.

The socks represented the 13,234 of domestic violence incidents reported to Staffordshire Police (excluding Stoke-on-Trent) in 2006/07.

This event was part of a campaign raising awareness of domestic violence in Staffordshire and coincided with the UN day for the elimination of violence against women.  It was to raise awareness of domestic violence and the services available to support victims and their families in Staffordshire. 

Two key messages being highlighted were

1. "You are not alone" 
2. If you are a victim of domestic abuse or know someone who is you can contact Staffordshire Police on 08453 30 20 10 or in an emergency ALWAYS dial 999

Since 2006 the county council has contributed £120,000 per year towards the eight Domestic Violence Co-ordinators across Staffordshire.  During that time the Domestic Violence Co-ordinators with partner agencies have worked to secure the following services.  You can see more information about these services in the factfile opposite.

·        Specialist domestic violence court status across the county

·        Implementation of multi agency risk assessment conferences (marac) for high risk victims of domestic violence

·        Independent domestic violence advisors (IDVA) throughout the county

·        Sanctuary scheme is established across the county

·        Launch of the national centre for domestic violence

·        Rural outreach project delivering domestic violence support in rural areas

·        Early intervention worker

·        Rolled out preventative domestic violence resources packs to schools across the county aimed at breaking the cycle of abuse

·        Supported specialist domestic violence services to work with members of our communities experiencing or fleeing domestic violence 

Staffordshire County Councillor Carol Dean, cabinet member for safer and stronger communities said: "Tackling Domestic Abuse is a key priority for all partners in Staffordshire. In Staffordshire there are more than 13,000 incidents reported in the last year and domestic violence causes more deaths and disability among women aged 15 - 44 than cancer, malaria, traffic accidents or war.  This information alone shows what a massive problem this is within society and we have to do all we can to help the victims of domestic violence and their families.

She added: "Much work has been done and will continue to be done to support those people affected. My message is clear if you are a victim and don't know where to turn there is help available. Please call the police on 08453 30 20 10 if you do need to report an incident of this nature and remember support is always there if you need it."

Last Modified: 03/10/2008 14:10:43
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