Torbay launches Domestic Violence Awareness Week

Release Date: November 2009

Safer Communities Torbay is launching Domestic Violence Awareness Week by screening a newly commissioned film that highlights the impact of domestic abuse and the services that are available in Torbay. To be introduced by a survivor of domestic abuse, the subject of the film ("S") comments; “I agreed to do the film to highlight to other women that there is help out there, if I can help just one person then it was worth everything I went through.”

Domestic Violence Awareness Week, which starts on Monday the 23^rd of November, is supported by various organisations throughout Torbay, including Safer Communities Torbay, Torbay Council and the Police. The aim is to encourage the public to learn more about domestic violence, so that it isn't viewed as a taboo subject but is seen as the crime that it is.

Caroline Taylor, Deputy Chief Executive of Torbay Council underlines Torbay’s commitment to tackling Domestic Abuse, drawing attention to the great results achieved over the last 2 years and the fantastic range of services now available for Women, Men and especially Children. She comments; “Domestic abuse is a priority issue for the Strategic Partnership in Torbay. The Local Authority is committed to reducing the effects of domestic abuse on families in the bay, continuing to work with our partners to ensure that victims and their children have access to the services they need. Over the last 2 years we have seen a continuous increase in the number of incidents reported; results attributed to the successful multi-agency approach employed in Torbay. Domestic Abuse affects not only the direct victim but all who have the misfortune of experiencing it, children especially can be left with psychological and emotional scars that can lead to behavioural problems in the future, by working with the children early on we can ensure that they are receiving the support they need and hopefully influencing their future quality of life.”

Tanya Alford, Manager of the Torbay Refuge, a confidential safe house where women and children can go fleeing an abuse relationship will also speak at the launch about the services they provide and urges victims to engage with the agencies; “There is so much support, there really is – it can vary from confidential support whilst still in the relationship all the way through to somewhere to go once you have left. The follow up support available is also particularly good, from pattern changing courses to counselling sessions and general help with getting back on your feet. Whatever stage of an abusive relationship, there is some kind of support.”

Sally Bullingham-Taylor, Domestic Abuse Project Manager adds; “We are encouraged that people in Torbay are continuing to report Domestic Abuse incidents to the Police with an average of 270 reports a month but we are also conscious of the number of cases that go unreported. We would simply urge people to have the courage to come forward so that we can help put a stop to the harmful cycle that is Domestic Abuse.”

Louisa Aiton, Cabinet Member Community Safety said, "It is estimated that women experience on average 35 episodes of domestic abuse before seeking help. When they do finally talk to someone, typically they describe long-standing and escalating violence. They say how much they'd have liked to be able to talk about what was going on if only someone had asked them. If we can encourage people to talk about abuse, we can help them to break away from it."

Commissioned by Safer Communities Torbay, a partnership between the Council, the Police, Fire, Health and Probation services; the film is part of a series of 7 produced to highlight the good work carried out by the organisations that fall under the Safer Communities umbrella. The videos show multi-agency working at its best and prove that opening communication channels between organisations is best practice going forward. To view the videos please go to our videos page.

Also to be launched during the week is a newly agreed Housing Association ‘code of good practice’. Developed by the Devon Strategic Housing Group, it aims to raise awareness, encourage partnership working with specialist agencies such as the Police and improve the way that Housing Associations address cases of domestic abuse. The new code sets out clear standards to provide support to those affected. Staff with receive full training and each of the 17 Housing Associations who have signed up across the south West will appoint their own domestic abuse “champion”.

Lisa Jennnings, Devon Housing options Partnership Manager for the Devon Strategic Housing Group comments; “This is a great example of partnership working between Housing Associations to provide a consistent service to those residents living with domestic abuse. We have shared the very best practice to produce this ‘code of good practice’ and raise the profile of domestic abuse”. For more information please go to www.adva.org.uk

Notes to editors

1. Safer Communities Torbay is a multi-agency partnership incorporating Torbay council, Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, Torbay Primary Care Trust, Devon and Cornwall Probation Service and Devon and Somerset fire and Rescue Service.

2. Torbay Refuge provides safe accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic abuse.

3. Torbay Domestic Abuse team is part of Safer Communities Torbay, set up in 2007 to develop the domestic abuse strategy for Torbay.

4. Devon Strategic Housing Group is a strategic partnership made up of the Devon Housing Authorities and Housing Associations working to improve the delivery of housing in Devon.

5. The 17 Housing Associations signed up to the code are; Cornerstone, Devon & Cornwall, Magna, North Devon Homes, Plymouth Community Homes, Riviera Housing Trust, Sanctuary Shaftesbury, Sarsen, Signpost, Sovereign, Tamar Housing Society, Tarka Housing, Teign Housing, Tor Homes, Westcountry Housing, West Devon Homes and William Sutton Homes.

6. adva is the against Domestic Violence and Abuse in Devon Partnership