By strengthening support for victims and ensuring violent partners are brought to justice
Ealing Council has strengthened its support for domestic violence victims to help keep them safe and ensure their violent partners are brought to justice.
Six community safety and anti-social behaviour officers have been trained to handle domestic violence issues. This includes establishing the victim’s status and safety, finding the person a safe place to go and even investigating legal aspects, which could lead to a criminal conviction. The training also included techniques to protect the caller in case their abuser finds them making the call for help.
Anyone contacting the team for help will be treated sensitively and can be assured that their call will be treated confidentially.
Councillor Sue Emment, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said: “This service means that victims no longer need to feel scared or embarrassed.
“The team is here to help in any way they can, even if it’s just for someone to listen and give them some safe options to think about.
“Making people safer is one of the Council’s priorities and we are hoping people will feel more confident about getting help for a very serious problem”
Officers are trained in dealing with a host of issues ranging from violence in marriages, honour killings, same-sex relationships and the impact on children. Victims can request both female and male officers to assist them in a number of local languages.
By offering safety advice, a brief intervention and liaising on behalf of the victim with local authority departments such as Housing and benefits, officers can facilitate the referrals for the victim’s re-location to a safe environment once the victim is ready.
During 2005 there were 4,424 allegations of domestic violence, this decreased last year to 3,701 allegations, a reduction of 16.3%. These figures are based on Police Allegation Data and not actual recorded incidents of domestic violence.
Domestic violence is any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (physical, verbal, sexual, financial or emotional) between persons who are or have been intimate or family members. You do not have to be in a relationship with the person to experience domestic violence. Some people continue to abuse their ex-partner after a relationship has ended.
If you are experiencing domestic violence you can ring the community safety team on 020 8825 7600 for help. Or alternatively you can call the 24 hour free phone National Domestic Violence Help line on 0808 2000 247.
September 5, 2007