Domestic violence service marks a decade
A crucial service that has shielded hundreds of Shropshire women and children from ongoing violence in the home is marking ten successful years.
The Refuge run by South Shropshire Housing Association has provided a place of safety for 379 women and 430 children from various locations since it opened, with even more women supported in a variety of other ways.
Supporters of the South Shropshire Domestic Violence service gathered in Church Stretton to mark the occasion, highlight the vital importance of its work and provide a chance for others to understand more about what is involved in its day-to-day activities.
Also taking part in the special event were representatives of Crimestoppers, which is backing a pioneering project to train vets to help victims of domestic abuse. The project also has the backing of Britain’s Got Talent judge, Alesha Dixon. The Domestic Violence Service very often finds that those it helps can hold back from seeking support out of fear that their pets will be abused or neglected if they leave them behind. Sometimes abusers use threats against pets to control their victims. In the past staff have worked hard to re-home pets that they are unable to house at the Refuge.
Ann Sutcliffe, neighbourhood director for Shropshire Housing Group, which is part of the SUSTAIN Consortium of Shropshire housing providers that runs the service, said: “Domestic violence can take many forms, from the physical through to mental, financial, emotional or sexual abuse and it is vitally important that women and children in Shropshire know that effective help and support is available and where to turn to get it. People are often afraid to even ask for help, but the Domestic Violence Support Service can begin to support them just by providing someone to talk to and give advice, even if they don't want to leave their partner.
“Marking the first decade of the service was very important to us. Nationally, two people every week die as a result of domestic violence, so it is very easy to assume that our service has saved lives. That's definitely something worth highlighting and we need to record our gratitude to the people who do this difficult but essential job.”
The celebration was held at Church Stretton's Mayfair Centre, where cream teas were provided by volunteers from the Grow Cook Share project.
South Shropshire Domestic Violence Service can be contacted on 01694 722440.
