Stratford-on-Avon District Council has awarded £10,000 to Refuge to enable additional outreach support across the district for people experiencing domestic abuse.
With the pandemic increasing the number of domestic abuse incidents, additional capacity to support victims has been welcomed by Refuge who are commissioned by Warwickshire County Council to deliver safe accommodation, independent advocacy and outreach support to victims of domestic abuse.
This funding, from the District Council's Covid-19 recovery plan, will enable community outreach workers to meet people in the community, helping people to keep safe, whilst supporting them to understand their options.
Rachel Shuter, Domestic Abuse Service Manager said: "This funding from Stratford-on-Avon District Council has enabled us to take on a part time outreach worker for six months, specifically for the Stratford-on-Avon area. This means we can help more survivors of domestic abuse. Reaching out for help takes courage and being able to access support in their local area is crucial for our clients."
Jo Barker, Homes, Health & Wellbeing Portfolio said: "Domestic abuse impacts the lives of many of our residents, families and communities. I know, as I speak to a lot of - mostly - women about the dreadful domestic situations they survive or have fled from.
"The District Council is well aware of the need for the services Refuge provides and has regularly promoted services for those experiencing domestic abuse in our resident's Stratford View magazine and on its social media channels. I am pleased that work undertaken on the Covid-19 recovery plan has resulted in this funding being allocated for domestic abuse services."
The District Council's Cabinet recently supported the new Domestic Abuse Act 2021 which, amongst other things, legally defines that domestic abuse can include emotional and financial abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour and post-separation abuse. The Act also includes changes that support victim/survivors and places a duty on local authorities in England to provide support to survivors and their children in refuges and other safe accommodation.
If you, or someone you know is in a relationship that doesn't quite feel right, speak to someone about it. You can get help and advice from the Warwickshire Domestic Violence and Abuse Service provided by Refuge on 0800 408 1552.
In addition, the Talk2Someone website provides a range of local and national organisations that are able to help: https://www.talk2someone.org.uk/support-services/. This includes specialist male domestic violence charities and LGBTQ+ domestic violence charities.
Please always dial 999 in an emergency.
