13 November 2009, 09/268
Call to end domestic violence campaign
Extra activities have been planned in West Lancashire to mark
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and
the 16 Days of Action Campaign.
Between 25 November and 10 December the West Lancashire
Community Safety Partnership is stepping up its work to protect
victims of domestic abuse in recognition of this worldwide public
awareness campaign.
Women around the world are subject to domestic violence, rape
and other forms of abuse and the scale and true nature of the issue
is often hidden, so activists have marked 25 November as a day
against violence.
As a result, the Partnership is using this annual campaign to
call attention to this harrowing issue and urging people not to
commit, condone or remain silent about domestic violence.
Planned action to coincide with the campaign includes:
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Training sessions regarding Multi Agency Risk Assessment
Conferences (MARACs). This is a fairly new initiative whereby
agencies such as the Council, police, social care, health,
specialist domestic violence services, housing, probation and other
professionals meet up to share information to increase the safety,
health and well-being of victims. Together they will assess a
victim’s needs, risks and what they can do to help. As part of the
process victims are offered support by an Independent Domestic
Violence Adviser (IDVA), whose focus is on the views and safety of
the victim. As it is a relatively new concept, the Domestic
Violence Coordinator will be organising training sessions to raise
awareness and confidence.
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The West Lancashire Women’s Refuge have launched a video that
gives victims a voice.
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Posters will be displayed across the borough to encourage
victims not to suffer in silence
Councillor Paul, Greenall, Portfolio Holder for Community
Safety, said: "Violence against women is one of the most widespread
violations of human rights. It can include physical, sexual,
psychological and economic abuse, and it cuts across boundaries of
age, race, culture, wealth and geography, yet it is still such an
underreported crime. This is why International Day for the
Elimination of Violence Against Women and the 16 Days of Action
Campaign is so important in raising awareness and complements the
excellent work we are already doing to combat violence against
women."
Work is ongoing to tackle domestic violence and lots of good
work has already been achieved so far in West Lancashire to support
families and address the complex issues that domestic violence
presents.
Bill Taylor, Chairman of the West Lancashire Communiy Safety
Partnership, said:
"We are committed to tackling domestic violence and our
excellent partnership working is key to ensuring that victims get
as much support as possible. With the help of the West Lancashire
Domestic Violence Forum, the efforts of the Women’s Refuge to
provide services, the important role the Domestic Violence
Coordinator plays, the introduction of MARAC and other specialist
initiatives, it is clearly having a positive impact. I’m confident
that together we can continue to work together to reduce domestic
violence in West Lancashire."
Anyone who is suffering abuse and wants support can contact West
Lancashire Women’s Refuge on 0808 100 3062 or Women’s Aid National
on 0808 2000 247. Abusive partners can contact the Respect helpline
on 0845 122 8609.
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