Domestic Violence

Swindon Domestic Violence Strategy 2008 - 2011

Consultation

A draft Domestic Violence Strategy for Swindon was published on 27^th July 2009. This Strategy has been developed following on from the county-wide strategy 2005 –08.

The Swindon Community Safety Partnership is keen to gain as many views as possible on the contents of the Strategy to help Swindon shape the way domestic violence and abuse is tackled over the next three years.

Your comments will need to be back with the Community Safety Partnership by 30th OCTOBER 2009

Please follow these links below to read the Strategy and to access the online proforma:

Domestic Violence Strategy

Proforma

If you are unable to complete the form on line you can request a copy electronically by contacting Lin Williams at LAWilliams@swindon.gov.uk.

Alternatively, if you would like a paper copy please telephone Gill Olney on 01793 466538 and a copy will be mailed out to you.

Please send your completed proforma to:

Gill Olney
Swindon Community Safety Partnership
4^th Floor
Premier House
Station Road
Swindon
SN1 1TZ

What happens next?

After the closing date all responses will be collated and the Domestic Violence Steering Group will consider points of accuracy and information provided from the consultation. The decision about amendments and which identified gaps will be included will be considered by the Swindon Domestic Violence Steering Group (DVSG) and will be endorsed by the Swindon Community Safety Partnership in December 2009.

Following the endorsement an implementation plan will be developed outlining the priorities for the next three years.

The Plan will detail the following:

• The actions to be undertaken
• Identify resources needed and available to deliver the actions.
• Identify the lead agencies to take the actions forward.
• Give information about how the Strategy will be measured and monitored.

What is Domestic Violence?

• One in four women and one in six men will experience domestic violence at some point in their lives (British Crime Survey 2001/02)
• Two women are murdered every week in the UK by a partner or ex-partner (British Crime Survey 2001/02)
• One in three domestic violence incidents begin in pregnancy (Metropolitan Police Study 2002)

Domestic violence is any violent or abusive behaviour used by one person to dominate and control another within a close personal or family relationship.

It can happen to anyone, in all kinds of relationships – heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. People experience domestic violence regardless of their social group, age, class, lifestyle, disability or sexuality. It can begin at any time – in a new relationship or after many years together.

• It can be physical:
  Beating, punching, kicking, slapping, biting or sexual assault.
• It can be emotional:
  Bullying, isolating from family and friends, undermining self-confidence.
• It can be verbal:
  Put downs, name calling, shouting.
• It can be threats:
  Threats to kill or harm you or another person, including children; to kill or harm pets; threats to kill themselves.
• It can be financial:
  Control over money; not allowing money for personal items, food or transport.

No one has the right to abuse you. Victims may be made to feel responsible for and guilty about the abuse. The decision to take action against the abuser may be a difficult one, but it is important to remember that whether you decide to leave or stay, support and assistance is available.

The Partnership employs a Domestic Violence Co-ordinator to work with agencies, organisations and communities such as Swindon Women’s Refuge, the Police, Health Visitors, NSPCC and Housing to raise awareness of domestic violence and identify ways to support victims and survivors.

Please click on the downloadable pdf file (26Kb) Warning Signs of an Abusive Relationship on how to recognise an abusive relationship.

The downloadable pdf file (72Kb) Friends and Family Leaflet gives advice if someone you know is experiencing domestic violence.

Frank Mullane, whose sister and nephew, Julia and William, were murdered by Julia's estranged husband has read the Friends and Family leaflet. He said:

"The leaflet clearly explains how we help those being abused; what we should or shouldn't say and includes a heart stopping reminder that we may be a victim's only lifeline. I was shaking when I first read the advice, knowing that had I seen it earlier my family might still be intact."

Help and Support

In an emergency always dial 999

National 24-hour domestic violence helpline	0800 200 0247
Swindon Police Domestic Abuse Unit	01793 507801
Swindon Women’s Refuge	01793 536447
Swindon Borough Council Housing Needs Team	01793 463181
Swindon Social Services (Children & Families Service)	01793 466903
Swindon Social Services (Emergency Duty Service) (Evenings, nights, weekends and Bank Holidays)	01793 436699
MALE For male victims of domestic violence	0845 064 6800
Childline	0800 1111
Victim Support in Wiltshire	01380 738888
Broken Rainbow (for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender)	0845 260 4460
Elder Abuse Line	0808 808 8141
The Honour Network - a national helpline for victims affected by forced marriage or honour based violence - open 7 days a week from 9am-9pm	0800 599 9247

Or you can visit the following web pages by clicking on the links below: (all links open in a new browser window)

Women's Aid website (www.womensaid.org.uk)

Men's Advice Line website (www.mensadviceline.org.uk)

Broken Rainbow website (www.broken-rainbow.org.uk)

The Hideout website - for children and young people (www.thehideout.org.uk)

Southall Black Sisters - for Asian and African Caribbean women experiencing domestic violence (www.southallblacksisters.org.uk)