ARCHIVED news story
Don’t suffer domestic abuse in silence
Released on 18 November 2008
I would urge anyone who needs help to go along to the stall. If they can’t make it, they should call 0808 2000247. No one should suffer in silence.
Chairman, Councillor Margaret Dewsbury
November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
South Norfolk’s Domestic Abuse Forum is marking the day with an information and advice stall in the Millennium Library, Norwich, from 26 to 28 November.
Forum members South Norfolk Council, Norfolk Constabulary, Victim Support, Saffron Housing Trust, and specialist support agencies Leeway and Orwell Housing, are working together to highlight the issue and offer help and support to anyone in an abusive relationship or who has left one.
In the last 12 months, officers from Norfolk Constabulary have attended 9,450 incidents of domestic abuse, 798 of which were in South Norfolk alone. Of those, 282 were classed as criminal or violent incidents.
South Norfolk Council Chairman, Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, who has made her theme for her year in office ‘Safe in South Norfolk’, said:
“Behind these frightening statistics are individual horror stories of fear and pain, possible threats to children and also actual physical harm.
“This Forum, and the agencies behind it, are rescuing victims of these crimes every single day. They deserve our thanks and support.
“I would urge anyone who needs help to go along to the stall where they will be given advice and assistance. If they can’t make it, they should call 0808 2000247 or look at the South Norfolk Council website for further local contact details on the Survival Card. No one should suffer in silence.”
Chair of the Forum, and South Norfolk Council’s Housing advice Manager Gill Duffy said:
“If you are a victim of domestic violence and worried about your safety, or the safety of your children, please don’t suffer in silence. We can give you the help and support you need.
“And if you are a concerned friend or relative, please visit the stall or contact us for help and advice.”
The Forum provides a range of help including helping people stay more safely in their homes, support for children, prosecution, support through the criminal justice system, emergency accommodation and re-housing.
Gill said:
“Domestic abuse is not just physical and sexual violence. Some victims suffer from controlling, psychological abuse, for example, not being allowed out alone, or not having any financial resources or freedom. It is a hidden crime.
“This form of abuse is much more difficult to detect and can lead to mental harm and suffering.”
Domestic abuse is also the second highest reason for homelessness in South Norfolk and accounts for 12 per cent of all ‘homeless acceptances’ by councils in the UK.
To find out more please call 0808 2000247, come to the information stand in the Millennium Library, or visit the South Norfolk Council website www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/domesticabuse.
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Contact us
| contact officer/team: | Communications Team |
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| web: | online enquiry form |
| email: | communicationsteam@s-norfolk.gov.uk |
| telephone: | 01508 533611 or 01508 533983 |
| minicom/textphone: | 01508 533622 |
| address: | South Norfolk House Swan Lane Long Stratton Norwich NR15 2XE |
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