Safer Knowsley Partnership draw a line on domestic abuse
25 November 2010
Staff from a number of Safer Knowsley Partnership agencies
joined together today to draw a line on domestic abuse at the start
of the White Ribbon Campaign 2010 and support the campaign pledge
never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against
women.
As part of the event, Knowsley Council also unveiled its
Domestic Abuse Champions. The 16 individuals are based across the
council’s departments and act as points of contact for other
members of staff who may be experiencing domestic abuse. Once
contacted, the champions can then signpost staff for further help
and support.
Any woman or man can experience domestic abuse, regardless or
age, race, ethnicity, religion group, class, disability or
lifestyle. It can also take place in lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender relationships. It can take many forms, is not always a
physical act; but can be psychological, sexual, financial or
emotional, or a combination of these different forms.
The introduction of Domestic Abuse Champions is a direct
development from the Safer Knowsley Partnerships’ Domestic Abuse
Reduction Strategy launched late last year. The strategy focuses on
prevention, education and early intervention; safeguarding,
protection and justice and; support for victims and their
families.
Between April 2009 and March this year, 763 people were referred
to Knowsley Domestic Violence Support Services, including 76 men.
In the same period, Merseyside Police’s Knowsley Vulnerable Persons
Unit received 3,465 calls for service.
Cllr Jackie Harris, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for
Community Safety and Social Inclusion, said, “The council and its
partners are committed to tackling domestic abuse. Through our
champions we’re giving victims the opportunity to reach out for
help and support from the safety of the workplace. We hope that
many other employers will look to follow our lead and introduce
them to their own organisation.”
All the champions have completed e-learning packages and have
access to online support, champion network meetings and further
training.
Now established in Knowsley Council, Knowsley Housing Trust and
Knowsley Domestic Violence Support Services, amongst others, it is
hoped that many more employers in the borough will rise to the
challenge that is tackling domestic abuse and introduce champions
in their own workplaces.
To find out more about Domestic Abuse Champions or for
information about introducing the programme in your workplace,
contact Mike Coleman on 0151 443 2815.