Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire, Sue Arnold, recently accompanied Staffordshire Women’s Aid to visit those who have been affected by domestic abuse in Staffordshire to find out more about their experiences of the criminal justice system and the help and support they received.
Mrs Arnold said: “Domestic abuse can have a terrible impact on both women and men. Victims often find it difficult to speak about what has happened and may be under constant threat. It was useful to meet victims to find out about the help and support they have received and how it has benefitted them.”
As part of Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire Matthew Ellis’ Safer, Fairer United Communities strategy to provide better services for victims of crime, Mrs Arnold also attended a Domestic Abuse Hub meeting at South Staffordshire Council, to witness how multiple agencies work together to provide support for victims of crime.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire (PCC), Matthew Ellis has established the Staffordshire Victim Gateway, a service that offers a tailored service to victims of crime by providing timely advice and emotional and practical support in the way that suits them best.
Staffordshire is the first area in the country to pioneer the new Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)-led approach which is unique because it is based locally. The Gateway offers support to all victims of crime and the PCC, Deputy PCC and Citizens Advice Bureau are keen to encourage victims who are vulnerable or who do not feel they can report crime to police to contact them for support.
More information on the Victim Gateway is available at www.staffsvictimsgateway.org.uk or by ringing 0330 0881 339.
A work-based programme, run by Staffordshire Women’s Aid, which throws a lifeline to workers who suffer abuse at home is also part of ongoing efforts by Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis to offer better service and support for victims of domestic abuse.
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 support to staff.
Mrs Arnold added “Victims face many practical and emotional obstacles when leaving an abusive relationship. The people I met with had all been through difficult times and sadly hadn’t received all the support they needed from their employers. By signing up to this initiative businesses are going public with their steps to tackling domestic abuse and show a clear commitment to supporting staff who are victims in a sensitive way.”
More information on the work-based programme is available at www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/domestic-abuse/
