New police chief backs domestic abuse campaign

THE region’s first elected police chief has thrown his weight behind the bid to end domestic violence.




NAILING COLOURS TO THE TREE: From left, Bill Longmore, West Mercia police and crime commissioner; Ruth

Jones, university lecturer; and Professor David Green, university vice-chancellor, all backing the 16 Days of

Action campaign. Picture by Nick Toogood.



Bill Longmore, police and crime commissioner for the West Mercia force area, appeared at the University of Worcester’s St John’s campus in Henwick Avenue to back 16 Days of Action.

The campaign, which came to an end yesterday and has been backed by your Worcester News, is aimed at highlighting the plight of those who suffer domestic abuse. Ruth Jones, a senior lecturer at the university and member of the Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse, said: “We’ve had great support.”

Mr Longmore added: “It’s a very important campaign and I support it.” Your Worcester News has been carrying a white ribbon – the symbol of the campaign – on its newspaper masthead throughout the campaign.

Abuse campaign comes to an end

One woman’s story of 15 years in an abusive relationship

TODAY we bring to an end our campaign to end domestic violence.
Along with the Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse, we have been supporting the 16 Days of Action campaign to end domestic violence.

The international campaign started on Sunday, November 25 – International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women – and ends today, International Human Rights Day.

Martin Lakeman, strategic co-ordinator for the forum, said: “The Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse would like to thank the Worcester News for its support. Through raising awareness of the issue we are hopeful that more men, women and children will feel able to come forward and find peace and safety.”

Here we end our coverage with one woman’s story:

“My relationship began when I was just 16 years old.

“The violence began five years later – when I was 21 – after the birth of my son.

“I remember the first time vividly. I had just finished breast feeding my son and after 11 months I planned a night out with my friends.

“Just as I was about to leave to drop my son off with a babysitter, he arrived home and immediately started shouting. He said: ‘You are not going out, you’ve not washed up’ and then he punched me in the face five times. Over the years, the violence escalated and continued until I left at the age of 30, having spent more than 15 years of my life in a destructive and abusive relationship.

“My son was 13 when we left and due to the nature of the abuse we received, we were forced to leave our home and live in a refuge more than 60 miles away from family and friends and the lives we had built around us. We stayed in the refuge for six months and were then rehoused.

“The support we received from Stonham was phenomenal and I don’t think I would have been able to cope with the move and the emotional upheaval if it had not been for the outreach support we had after leaving the refuge.

“With their support, I am now settled in my new home and even though the scars of domestic abuse will never leave me, my children and I are now safe and well.” In an emergency, call 999.

For confidential free advice and help, call the Worcestershire Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 9803331 or visit worcestershire.gov.uk/wfada.

Plenty of support there for sufferers

Domestic abuse victims can get help from a number of places

AS the county’s support of the 16 Days of Action comes to a close, the Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse is keen to raise awareness of the help and support available to those caught in its cycle.
The campaign, which ends on Monday, has been supported by your Worcester News.

Martin Lakeman, strategic co-ordinator for The Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse said: “These specialist workers provide a lifeline for victims at a time when they are most vulnerable and give them the courage and confidence to make informed decisions on the way forward. “Our message is simple, don’t suffer in silence.”ISVA – or Independent Sexual Violence Adviser – offers support to women aged 16 and over who have been raped or sexually abused at any time during their life. The ISVA service offers women the opportunity to talk in a safe and confidential environment.



VICTIM SUPPORT: Martin Lakeman, strategic co-ordinator

for the Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse.



They will complete an initial risk/safety assessment with their client and from this a support plan is agreed and will work towards empowering women and breaking down the isolation and loss of control associated with sexual violence crimes. The service is available to women who have reported a crime to the police and those who have not.

A number of women have decided to report an attack as a result of the support they received from the ISVA. In 2011/2012, the ISVA service received 194 referrals – an increase of 10 per cent on the previous year.

Å West Mercia Women’s Aid provides a critical service to those who are at high risk of harm through domestic abuse, through its IDVA – Independent Domestic Violence Advisors – service.
They offer advocacy at MARAC – or Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference – meetings and represent the views and wishes of the victim to the agencies present at the meeting.

They provide comprehensive safety planning support and advice and can support a client through both the criminal and civil justice systems.

IDVA are completely independent of any statutory agency and act on the wishes and views of their clients. West Mercia Women’s Aid IDVA service can be contacted by calling 0800 9803331, available 24 hours a day.

MARAC offers a co-ordinated community response for all those agencies involved in tackling domestic
abuse; the role is a vital one in protecting those who are at high risk from suffering imminent and/or escalating abuse. Worcestershire’s MARAC was launched in 2008 and has discussed more than 1,000 high risk cases of domestic abuse, which have involved more than 1,200 children.

At the meetings, a safety plan is devised for each victim, including arranging for a police officer to check on a victim’s welfare; providing extra security measures in the home; ensuring that schools do not allow children to leave with anyone else; and enlisting the help of health visitors and midwives.

For information about the Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse, contact Martin Lakeman on 01905 822 357.

To call in confidence about domestic abuse call 0800 980 3331, and the West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre can be contacted on 01905 611 655.

Devastation: Domestic abuse led to Andy losing his children

A father tells how he is turning his life around after alcohol resulted in an abusive relationship

YOUR Worcester News is currently supporting The 16 Days of Action campaign to end domestic violence. The campaign backed by the Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse runs until Monday, during which time we are displaying the campaign logo – a white ribbon – on our front page masthead.

HERE WE TELL THE STORY OF ANDY:

Following a series of domestic abuse incidents, Andy was referred to a local perpetrator programme by children’s services. 

The referral – to Stonham’s Voluntary Perpetrator Programme – initially saw Andy reluctant to engage with support.

However, during the process, Andy developed a positive relationship with his support worker and realised that his behaviour was not being judged. He came to trust his support worker enough to talk about areas of his life, stemming from his childhood.

During one of his sessions, Andy lost his temper and – due to the nature of the confrontation – his children were considered to be at risk. Legal steps were then taken to remove the children from his care by children’s services. The effect was devastating on him.

He requested an urgent appointment with Stonham and confessed to alcohol dependence and a real desire to stop his heavy drinking. He blamed the alcohol for his verbal assault on his partner.

With his support worker he discussed how he has used denial, minimisation and blame in his abusive relationship and explored his reasons for this. Once his children were removed from his care, Andy’s situation became very real for him.

He threw himself into extra one-to-one sessions with his support worker and took part in two-day group sessions which he found very worthwhile. Andy was asked by his support worker if he would like to appear on a breakfast show about domestic abuse at the start of Euro 2012.

His support worker explained it would not be anonymous and he would potentially be heard by listeners nationwide. He agreed to take part, viewing it as a vital element in becoming part of his children’s lives again.
He also wanted to help raise awareness about the positive impact the programme had had on his behaviour and thought patterns. He felt both proud and humbled following his news debut.

Andy went on to appear on a national morning news programme and – although extremely nervous – he spoke about the availability of support for perpetrators like him resulting in a change in behaviour relating to domestic abuse, violence and aggression. Andy began seeing his children several times a week at a contact centre and by talking to other males in similar situations, encouraged a number of them to refer themselves to the programme.

Although too late for him to keep his family together, Andy is extremely positive about Stonham’s approach and rarely misses any sessions as he sees the work that he is doing with them having a very positive effect on his view of relationships. Sadly, Andy was recently informed by children’s services that his two youngest children are to be adopted separately.

Although the news was devastating, Andy still remains positive and attends group work as he recognises the benefits for both himself and his partner regarding his newly learnt coping strategies. He is continuing on the programme for its duration.

For further details about the programmes available, call the Stonham referral line, 0845 155 0395.

INCIDENTS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE IN THE COUNTY

• Since the January 2012 there have been 6,857 incidents of domestic abuse in Worcestershire.Since the January 2012 there have been 6,857 incidents of domestic abuse in Worcestershire.
• The average number of children exposed to domestic abuse per quarter, three or more times is 69. The number of children exposed five or more times is eight.The average number of children exposed to domestic abuse per quarter, three or more times is 69. The number of children exposed five or more times is eight.
• The number of times a child was exposed to domestic abuse between October 2011 and September 2012 was 5,831. This figure relates to 4,716 separate children.The number of times a child was exposed to domestic abuse between October 2011 and September 2012 was 5,831. This figure relates to 4,716 separate children.
• Domestic abuse affects one in three women in the UK with about one in six victims being men.Domestic abuse affects one in three women in the UK with about one in six victims being men.
• In an emergency, call 999. For confidential free advice and help, call the Worcestershire Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 980 3331 or visit worcestershire.gov.uk/wfada.

SUPPORT FOR THE VULNERABLE

 

• Stonham is a division of Home Group Ltd, a registered social landlord, providing housing, care and practical support for vulnerable people.Stonham is a division of Home Group Ltd, a registered social landlord, providing housing, care and practical support for vulnerable people.
• Within the last year in Worcestershire, Stonham’s Domestic Abuse Service has supported 215 females and male survivors. It has also supported 154 people through its recovery courses. During the Christmas period, 35 children were living in a Stonham refuge in the county.Within the last year in Worcestershire, Stonham’s Domestic Abuse Service has supported 215 females and male survivors. It has also supported 154 people through its recovery courses. During the Christmas period, 35 children were living in a Stonham refuge in the county.In an emergency, call 999
• For confidential free advice and help, call the Worcestershire Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 980 3331 or visit worcestershire.gov.uk/wfada.

 

SUPPORT FOR THE VULNERABLE

 

• Stonham is a division of Home Group Ltd, a registered social landlord, providing housing, care and practical support for vulnerable people.Stonham is a division of Home Group Ltd, a registered social landlord, providing housing, care and practical support for vulnerable people.
• Within the last year in Worcestershire, Stonham’s Domestic Abuse Service has supported 215 females and male survivors. It has also supported 154 people through its recovery courses. During the Christmas period, 35 children were living in a Stonham refuge in the county.Within the last year in Worcestershire, Stonham’s Domestic Abuse Service has supported 215 females and male survivors. It has also supported 154 people through its recovery courses. During the Christmas period, 35 children were living in a Stonham refuge in the county.

Sports stars join battle against domestic abuse

County’s high profile sporting teams back the campaign to end violence

LOCAL sporting heroes have put their weight behind a campaign to stop domestic abuse.
Some of Worcestershire’s most high profile sporting teams are backing the local campaign to end violence against women and girls.




PLEDGE: Worcester City Football Club players are one of several county sporting teams who have joined the campaign to stop domestic abuse

  The Worcester Warriors, Worcester Wolves, Kidderminster Harriers, Worcester City Football Club and Bromsgrove Rugby Football Club have all pledged their support.

The international campaign – which is supported locally by the Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse and your Worcester News – runs until Monday.  Entitled The 16 Days of Action, the forum is running a host of events and initiatives throughout the period.

The teams’ support offers a welcome boost to the issue of domestic abuse which has also received the backing of actress and the nation’s favourite Oxo mum, Lynda Bellingham.

Dean Schofield, captain of the Worcester Warriors said : “Domestic abuse and sexual violence is an evil which everyone must stand up to. It should never be ignored and nobody should have to suffer in silence. At the Warriors we are encouraging fans to support the white ribbon campaign.” Team-mate Craig Gillies said: “The white ribbon campaign is all about sending out a strong message against domestic abuse and sexual violence. It’s an issue which impacts on people from all walks of life and it needs to be eradicated.
Everyone should get behind the campaign and make a stand.” Steve Burr, manager of the Kidderminster Harriers, said: “Kidderminster Harriers are delighted to support the white ribbon campaign against domestic abuse. We hope that the team’s involvement will also encourage our fans to champion the cause.
“Football influences a substantial section of our community and if our support can help in raising awareness of the issue, then it will be more than worthwhile.”

The 16 Days of Action was originally launched in Canada in 1991. The dates are symbolic in that November 25 is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and December 10 is International Human Rights Day.

Martin Lakeman, strategic co-ordinator for the Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse, said: “We’d like to thank our local sports teams for their support and hope that their involvement will send a strong message into our communities that domestic abuse will not be tolerated. In Worcestershire we are committed to tackling all domestic abuse victims – men, women, children and those in same sex relationships.”

For information about the Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse, contact Martin Lakeman on 01905 822357. To call in confidence about domestic abuse, call 0800 980 3331.

Victims urged to feed back

A SERIES of new measures launched by Victim Support has won the backing of the Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse.

Individuals who have attended court as a victim of crime in West Mercia, will now be able to have their say about the Criminal Justice agencies which they came into contact with.

The survey, which has been designed to give victims and witnesses a way to feed back on their own experiences, is confidential with details on how to access the online survey only provided at court by Victim Support’s Witness Service. The service is being piloted in courts across West Mercia including Worcester crown and magistrates’ courts.

Melina Hancox, divisional manager at Victim Support, said: “The information collected will help the agencies involved work together to improve services.”The second initiative – Visual Evidence for Victims (VEV) – provides a free and confidential service to victims of violent crime or criminal damage. Approved agencies can take photographs of injuries or damaged property and store them securely for future use.

Kiran Robotham, local VEV project manager, said: “If you have been a victim of violent crime – particularly in cases of domestic abuse – you might not be ready to go to the police. With VEV, the evidence can be recorded, so that if the victim chooses to report the crime later, the proof will not fade away.”

Your Worcester News is currently supporting an international campaign to end domestic violence. The 16 Days of Action is supported by the Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse. Martin Lakeman, strategic co-ordinator for forum, said: “We thoroughly support these latest initiatives launched by Victim Support.

For more information about the forum contact Mr Lakeman on 01905 822 357.
To call in confidence about domestic abuse, call 0800 980 3331.

Youngsters invited to get behind abuse war

YOUNG people have been urged to get involved in the 16 Days of Action, an international campaign supported by your Worcester News and the Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse.

Domestic abuse support agencies, who are working in partnership across the West Mercia region, will be coordinating a number of activities and awareness raising events as part of the campaign – and members of the public can get involved too.

Young people are particularly encouraged to help support the 16 days of action, and West Mercia Women’s Aid and the Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse have the perfect way for them to show off their creative skills.

The ReFocus project, which is a series of short films made and developed by young people who have experienced domestic abuse, was shown to the Worcestershire and Herefordshire Safeguarding boards.
Feedback from the young people at these screenings highlighted that there is no signposting or information out there for young people to access easily. This inspired the forum to call on them to help change that.

The forum is looking to develop and produce information resources for young people to signpost them in the right direction if they need help and advice on a range of topics relevant to them. Participants can choose to design a card, leaflet, flyer whatever they think will appeal most to young people in the region. “While we have been working with children and young people for some time, we are well aware that many young people aren’t sure where to turn for advice and guidance should they need it,” says Jemma Price, West Mercia Women’s Aid’s CRUSH Project Co-ordinator, which supports young people who are at risk of, or experiencing domestic abuse.

Designs can be e-mailed to events@westmerciawomensaid.org, or can be posted to Jemma Price, West Mercia Women’s Aid, PO Box 74, Hereford, HR4 9WB.

The closing date for entries is Monday January 7. The winning entry will be unveiled on February 14.

Abuse impact on children highlighted

THE devastating impact of domestic abuse on children is being highlighted as part of Worcestershire’s campaign to tackle the issue in the county.

Worcestershire’s Safeguarding Children Board has announced figures as part of its support of The 16 Days of Action, an international campaign that is supported locally by your Worcester News and the Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse.

In the first nine months of this year, there were 6,857 domestic abuse incidents with 3,527 children or young people involved. Of these, 360 were exposed to the violence three or more times and 30, five or more times. Importantly, the reporting of domestic abuse incidents has increased by 21 per cent across West Mercia in the last four years.

Diana Fulbrook, independent chairman of Worcestershire Safeguarding Children Board, said: “The impact of domestic abuse on children and young people is a priority area for the board because of the harm we know it causes. “We need to be vigilant about spotting those most at risk so we can make sure they receive the help and support they need to feel safe.”

Children and young people are completely dependent on the adults around them and if they do not feel safe in their own homes this can have serious physical and emotional effects.

For further information about the Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse please contact Martin Lakeman on 01905 822357.
To call in confidence about domestic abuse call 0800 980 3331.

The scars from all his abuse will never leave me

A brave woman who escaped a violent partner tells her story

IN our latest article on the campaign to tackle domestic abuse in Worcestershire, a woman tells of how she received help to escape from the domestic terror she suffered.

My relationship began when I was just 16. The violence began five years later after the birth of my son.
I remember the first time vividly; I had just finished breastfeeding my son and, after 11 months, I planned a night out with my friends.

Just as I was about to leave to drop my son off with a babysitter, he arrived home and immediately started shouting. He said, ‘You are not going out, you’ve not washed up” and then he punched me in the face five times.

MAKING A STAND: A candlelit vigil was held outside the Guildhall in Worcester in

support of the White Ribbon campaign against domestic abuse on Thursday. Picture

by Nick Toogood.

Over the years, the violence escalated and continued until I left at the age of 30, having spent more than 15 years of my life in a destructive and abusive relationship.

My son was 13 when we left and due to the nature of the abuse we received, we were forced to leave our home and live in a refuge more than 60 miles away from family and friends and the lives we had built. We stayed in the refuge for six months and were then rehoused.

The support we received from Stonham (see below) was phenomenal and I don’t think I would have been able to cope with the move and the emotional upheaval, if it had not been for the outreach support we had after leaving the refuge. With their support, I am now settled in my new home and even though the scars of domestic abuse will never leave me, my children and I are now safe and well.

International campaign the 16 Days of Action – supported by the Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic  Abuse and your Worcester News – runs until Monday, December 10.

How Stonham Helps

Stonham is a division of Home Group, a registered social landlord providing housing, care and practical support for vulnerable people. Within the last year in the county, Stonham’s domestic abuse service has supported 215 women and men. It has also supported 154 people through its recovery courses. During the festive period, 35 children were living in a Stonham refuge in the county.

Factfile

• Since January 2012, there have been 6,857 incidents of domestic abuse in Worcestershire.
• The average number of children exposed to domestic abuse per quarter three or more times is 69.
• The number of times a child was exposed to domestic abuse between October 2011 and September 2012 was 5,831. This figure relates to 4,716 separate children.
• Domestic abuse affects one in three women in the UK with around one in six victims being men.
• In an emergency call 999. Call the Worcestershire Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 980 3331 or visit worc estershire.gov.uk/wfada.