SUPPORT for victims of domestic and sexual abuse in Warwickshire is being highlighted in line with national campaign to protect the most vulnerable.
Warwickshire County Council’s (WCC) Violence Against Women and Girls Board (VAWG) is backing the UK-wide No More Week, to help victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence in the county to access specialist support services.
The weeklong campaign, which runs from Sunday (March 6) to Saturday (March 12), will this year ask everyone to #JoinTheChorus and use collective voices to end domestic and sexual violence.
The VAWG Board is using the campaign to promote the support available – the Warwickshire Domestic Violence and Abuse Service, and the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), also known as the Blue Sky Centre.
Coun Margaret Bell, WCC’s spokeswoman for health and adult social care, said: “Warwickshire condemns any act of domestic or sexual violence and stands in solidarity with all victims for No More Week.
“We want to stress that support is available to everyone across Warwickshire. No one should suffer physical, emotional, psychological economic or sexual abuse, so please do join in the conversation across social media and pass information onto anyone you believe may be subject to violence or sexual abuse.
“Warwickshire is here for everyone who needs support – you are not alone.”
The Warwickshire Domestic Violence and Abuse Service also offers the following:
- Independent domestic violence advocacy – Refuge’s independent domestic violence advocates can help to navigate and explain the legal system and the steps needed to move on with life. This includes pressing charges against perpetrators, creating safety plans and undertaking risk assessments, accompanying victims to court, and help with writing victim statements and other police documents.
- Community outreach – A community outreach worker can meet with a person in a safe and discreet place in the community to provide safety and practical advice, assess the individual’s choices and help to reassure the victim.
- A sanctuary scheme – this service can also provide extra security to a home by including additional locks on windows and doors to ensure perpetrators cannot get access to a property.
Visit www.talk2someone.org.uk for a full list of all the support services available in Warwickshire. Dial 999 in an emergency.
Visit www.refuge.org.uk for more information about Refuge and the Domestic Violence and Abuse Service.
Visit https://blueskycentre.org.uk for more information about SARC.
