Royal Greenwich Reminds Residents Of Support For Domestic Abuse Victims

* Cllr Jackie Smith

by our RBG correspondent | Woolwich

Victims of domestic violence are being reminded of the help available in the run up to the festive season when cases of abuse tend to peek.

 

The council is reminding residents who are experiencing abuse – and those who are seeing it inflicted on someone else – about the range of advice and support available as part of its on-going campaign to tackle domestic violence.

 

By summer 2016 the royal borough will have invested £675,000 in the campaign designed to support victims and encourage perpetrators to get help.

 

Support services are co-ordinated under the Greenwich Domestic Violence and Abuse Service (GDVA) which works with a range of partnership organisations to help families move on from abusive and violent relationships.

 

They include: l the council-funded Domestic Violence Intervention Team (DVIT) based at Plumstead Police Station.

 

The team provides an emergency response, follow up support and directs victims to other organisations that can help.

 

Additionally, it works with perpetrators who want to change their ways by directing them to services that can help.

* Cllr Jackie Smith (right) and Greenwich Borough Commander,
Chief Superintendent Helen Millichap at the launching of the
campaign in  August, 2015. (Credit: RBG)

Housing for Women, a charity and housing association which last month celebrated 40 years of supporting women in London. The group has five refuges in the borough and runs a domestic violence helpline. Call the Housing for Women helpline on 0208 317 8273. (10am to 4pm, Mon-Fri). In an emergency always call 999.

 

The Her Centre in Woolwich which supports more than 1,000 local women offering free and confidential advocacy, counselling, and advice as well as emergency housing to men and women victims. Call 020 3260 7772.

 

Councillor Jackie Smith, Royal Borough of Greenwich cabinet member for Community Safety and Environment said: “Christmas should be a time where families enjoy spending time together but unfortunately we also see a rise in domestic violence over this period."

“I encourage victims to come forward and seek help from the range of services that the council provides. We also want everyone to know they can do something if they are worried about a friend, relative, neighbour or stranger who may be suffering domestic violence or abuse."

 

“The message is clear – the actions of those who engage in abusive and violent behaviour are damaging and totally unacceptable. The council is committed to standing alongside victims, giving them support while taking the strongest action against perpetrators."

 

Visit www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/domesticviolence for further info on domestic violence and the support available.

 

-----<> Read also related post <>-----

 

* Royal Greenwich Domestic Abuse Campaign – Highlighting The Effects On Young Children

-----<> Read also related post <>-----