Extra support for domestic abuse victims in Plymouth

More help and support is being announced for victims of domestic abuse in Plymouth.

Plymouth City Council has awarded two contracts for victim support, recovery and prevention services to Sanctuary Supported Living.

The services will support victims of domestic abuse by providing:

* Qualified Independent Domestic Violence Advisors
* Support for victims going through the Specialist Domestic Violence Courts
* Support in the women’s refuge
* Support in 13 ‘safe houses’
* A service for the children of victims
* A volunteer co-ordinator
* A victim liaison officer

The need for services to focus on prevention and early intervention was identified during a sector wide review in 2012. The result is an extra service focussing on the provision of information, guidance, support and campaigning to raise awareness among agencies and the general public. The aim is to protect people and prevent the need for crisis intervention.

Cabinet member for Public Health and Adult Social Care, Councillor Sue McDonald said: “Our aim is to help people recover and rebuild their lives and we will work closely with the police and probation service to protect victims and prosecute those responsible. We are also making prevention a priority and we are introducing a new service to tackle the root causes of domestic abuse with people and raise awareness generally.”

Sanctuary Supported Living managing director Chris Munday said: “We’re delighted to have won both contracts with Plymouth City Council so we are able to continue our work with victims of domestic abuse and can build on that with the early intervention and prevention service, raising awareness in the community. With this new service, we’ll be able to reach out to more people than ever before and play a greater role in preventing the need for crisis support.”

The two new services will cost £1,745,618 for 2013 to 2016 and £1,585,560 for 2016 to 2018. This includes funding from Plymouth City Council, Devon and Cornwall Probation Services, Devon and Cornwall Police and an initial contribution from the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall for 2013/14.

Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Mike West, head of Plymouth’s public protection unit said: “Sanctuary Supported Living provides city wide coverage for the victims and potential victims of domestic abuse, which remains a priority for the Plymouth Local Policing Area and the force as a whole. Support services have been established city wide for some time and the new providers are crucial as part of the partnership response to this type of crime and the impact it has on families.”

Mark Benden, Assistant Chief Officer at Devon and Cornwall Probation Trust said: “Working to address the harm caused by perpetrators of domestic abuse is a priority for Devon and Cornwall Probation Trust, as is the protection of those affected. We are therefore extremely pleased to provide sponsorship to this valuable initiative in order to enhance support for the victims of abuse and bring to justice those responsible.”