HELP is there for domestic abuse victims in Warwickshire.
That is the message from Warwickshire County Council after it reinforced the authority’s commitment to work with partners and continue to support people affected by domestic abuse.
The confirmation follows WCC full endorsing The 2023 Director of Public Health Report which focuses on domestic abuse as its theme.
Domestic abuse affects everyone, and abuse can take many forms and may include coercive control, physical, emotional, technological, financial and sexual harm. Signposting to local services provides help and assistance for women, men, the LGBT+ community and the disabled community.
The report by Warwickshire’s Director of Public Health Dr Shade Agboola, Director of Public Health, takes a deep dive into the topic of domestic abuse and the wider ramifications around Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), highlighting the many variations of abuse a victim-survivor goes through.
The report portrays the devastating impact of domestic abuse through the story of a character named Mia and her experience of abuse, told through the accounts of those surrounding her, and the services involved.
While the story is fictional, it reflects real-life experiences, and is intended to highlight the harm and long-lasting, far-reaching effects of this crime.
WCC adult social care spokeswoman Coun Margaret Bell said: “Warwickshire provides support and advice to victim-survivors, and their dependents, who may also have experienced abuse.
“It is imperative that we highlight the plight of victim-survivors to ensure their stories are heard and validated. Along with our partners, we are working hard to ensure signposting to specialist services are readily available and that victim-survivors know they are not alone and will be heard.”
Support in the county includes the Warwickshire Domestic Violence and Abuse Service, provided by Refuge. The service offers help and support to women, men and children experiencing domestic abuse in Warwickshire.
To access the Warwickshire Domestic Violence and Abuse Service, visit www.refuge.org.uk and search Warwickshire Domestic Violence and Abuse Service.
Anyone worried about domestic abuse for themselves or someone they know can find support at www.talk2someone.org.uk
