Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (DPCC) for Staffordshire, Sue Arnold, has visited the Staffordshire Women’s Aid refuge in Stafford which helps families who are experiencing domestic violence and abuse.
Staffordshire Women’s Aid provide self-contained accommodation for up to 12 families who need emergency support. The ForWard refuge provides spaces, including a large play room and outdoor play area, where women and children can take part in activities, such as yoga and craft sessions. These activities will help rebuild their confidence and enable them to plan for safer, independent futures.
Stafford Borough Councillor, Jeremy Pert, joined Mrs Arnold on her visit to the refuge where Chief Executive of Staffordshire Women’s Aid, Dickie James gave them a tour of the facilities and apartments at the refuge. They were also told about a tradition that had been started by a former resident of the refuge who left a letter of encouragement for the next resident when they left.
Mrs Arnold said: “Domestic abuse has a devastating impact on victims and can affect the whole of their lives. This refuge provides accommodation and support for victims of domestic abuse when they need it most.
“Reading some of the letters left by former residents of the refuge to newcomers was an uplifting and heart-warming experience. Reading their words of encouragement to other victims of domestic abuse proves that this refuge is a vital place of safety.”
Councillor Jeremy Pert, Cabinet Member for Communities at Stafford Borough Council, said: “Seeing the role this new facility is playing in transforming victims of domestic violence in to ‘survivors’, and hearing first-hand some of their moving accounts, demonstrates how important it was to open this excellent refuge in Stafford.
“It has been a long journey for the new refuge but it could not have been achieved without the unstinting work of Staffordshire Women’s Aid and the support of many partners along the way.”
Chief Executive of Staffordshire Women’s Aid Dickie James said: “Refuge accommodation exists for the most vulnerable and high risk families. They will usually have lived with domestic violence long term before they arrive there, and will be fearful and lost.
“ForWard House enables us to provide a positive, therapeutic, safe environment which supports women and children through recovery, rebuilding self-esteem, and planning for a safer, stronger future. It provides high quality accommodation, meeting a wide range of needs, including larger families, those with older boys, and those with more complex needs. It is an environment which helps victims to become survivors.
“The financial support we have had from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner demonstrates real commitment to supporting victims of domestic violence in Staffordshire and surrounding areas”
In 2015 the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner launched a new initiative which throws a lifeline to workers who suffer abuse at home.
The workplace programme is part of ongoing efforts by Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis to offer better service and support for victims of domestic abuse.
The PCC has funded specialist training, delivered by Staffordshire Women’s Aid, for a nominated individual from each business that signs up.
Organisations who sign-up to the programme – at no cost to themselves – will commit to taking steps to support staff in abusive relationships and make sure victims are aware that help is available. Managers will be encouraged to spot tell-tale signs of abuse and give practical and confidential guidance to staff.
The British Crime survey found that there were an estimated 12.9 million incidents of domestic violence against women each year and 2.5 million against men. Meanwhile, such crime is estimated to cost the economy £23 billion a year – including £1.7 billion for employers alone.
Staffordshire Women’s Aid is an award-winning charity which has been supporting victims of domestic and sexual violence in Staffordshire since 1976. Through specialist support, the organisation empowers victims to change their lives and plan for safer, healthier and independent futures.
Businesses throughout Staffordshire who are interested in signing up to the workplace scheme should visit www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/domestic-abuse
Additionally, the Staffordshire Victim Gateway, a UK first, was launched on 1 September 2015 to place victims back at the heart of the criminal justice system across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent and has already helped support thousands of people.
Supporting victims and witnesses is one of four key priorities in Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis’ Safer, Fairer United Communities strategy for more local and effective policing in the county.
