The Isle of Wight Council has underlined its commitment to protecting victims of domestic abuse and their children, so they can live on the Island without fear of harm, intimidation or abuse.
2 new contracts for specialist services for victims of domestic abuse, and for those using abusive behaviours, have been awarded by the Council in partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Services include community-based crisis support and counselling provision led by Island staff, and refuge provision and alternative safe accommodation options with access to out of hours support.
Simon Bryant, director of Public Health and chair of the Domestic Abuse Partnership Board, said:
“Victims/survivors of domestic abuse have shaped commissioned services on the Isle of Wight by sharing their views on the response required.
“The impact of domestic abuse is wide ranging and can include mental, emotional, physical, social and financial effects. The new coordinated domestic abuse services for the Island respond to emerging need by providing an evidence based and trauma informed approach.
“The service will include a focus on reducing barriers to accessing services, and addressing the wider issues we know that victims/survivors often face, as recovery is not a linear journey.”
PCC Donna Jones said:
“Domestic abuse is an abhorrent crime that has a devastating ripple effect across relationships, families and communities.
“These services will bolster my commitment to supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse as well as focusing on vital interventions that address the harmful behaviours of perpetrators.
“It’s right that Police forces treat domestic abuse as a national threat and we all need to protect more victims from harm, and make sure domestic abuse is stopped in its tracks before it can take hold.
“Working with partners to highlight and reduce domestic abuse is 1 of my priorities as Police Commissioner, and these robust services will help to further protect residents and communities across the Isle of Wight.”
The contract which will provide support for victims/survivors of domestic abuse will be delivered by PARAGON, which is part of The YOU Trust, from Island-based premises and include:
All victims/survivors will be proactively contacted within 24 hours of being referred/referring themselves to this service. It will also operate a 24-hour telephone line for out-of-hours urgent enquiries.
Jayne Hardy, PARAGON assistant director, said:
“Paragon is committed to supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse. This new contract will ensure that our experienced and dedicated Island-based team can continue to offer this vital support to adults and children.”
The YOU Trust has more than 35 years’ experience working with people affected by domestic abuse and has achieved Leading Lights accreditation from SafeLives, a national domestic abuse charity. The 2nd contract, to be delivered by the Hampton Trust, will work with people using abusive behaviours and include:
Tracy Kent, the Trust’s deputy chief executive, said:
“Hampton Trust is committed to breaking the cycle of domestic abuse by working with source of the unhealthy and harmful behaviour.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to deliver specialist interventions to Island residents and develop innovative responses to dealing with domestic abuse in collaboration with police and multi-agencies.”
Island residents will be able to access both services free of charge. Both services will be delivered by trained and qualified staff, using trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches.
The services will work closely with partners, the Domestic Abuse Partnership Board, and a victim/survivor voice forum that is currently being established on the Island.
Councillor Ian Stephens, the Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, said:
“By commissioning specialist support for people experiencing domestic abuse, their families, and those who cause harm, we are working to stop the cycle of abuse and prevent repeat offending, while offering essential safety planning for those in the highest need.”
About time too how about some education for the perpetrators too. Mental abuse is an invisible torture
All forms of abuse whether physical or mental have for too long been ignored or given lip service, it is undoubtedly learnt behaviour, The PCC talks about intervention but she should be having serious discussions or forums with stakeholders as they are now called with those in the police, magistrates and judges who should be encouraged to take a zero tolerance approach and inprison offenders.