Extra support for domestic abuse victims in Herefordshire

Victims of domestic abuse in Herefordshire will now have extra support to increase their safety and convict offenders, thanks to the creation of a new Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) post at West Mercia Women’s Aid.

The role, co-ordinated through Herefordshire Community Safety and Drugs Partnership’s Domestic Abuse Forum and funded through the government’s Supporting People Programme, will be piloted in Herefordshire for three years and will operate alongside the extensive support already offered by West Mercia Women’s Aid. 

The Advisor will assist victims through the criminal justice system, speaking on their behalf in court to provide local magistrates with an in-depth background to the case. Until now, victims have had little or no opportunity to have their voice heard in court.

The Advisor will also work closely with West Mercia Probation Trust to provide further information prior to offenders’ sentencing, which may include compulsory attendance at a West Mercia Probation Trust programme to challenge the offender’s attitudes and behaviour.

In addition, the Advisor will provide extra support to ensure the safety of women assessed as being at a high risk of further violence, or even death. The Advisor will work closely with the victim and West Mercia Constabulary’s Public Protection Unit to assess their level of risk and provide options that increase their safety both in and outside of their home.

Domestic abuse includes any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse, including psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse. The IDVA will work primarily with victims suffering physical violence, although support is available for all types of abuse through West Mercia Women’s Aid’s 24 hour helpline.

Sadly, domestic abuse is common and statistics from the national charity Women’s Aid indicate that 1 in 4 women experience domestic violence in their lifetime, and between 1 in 8 to 1 in 10 women experience it annually.

Paul Baker, West Mercia Probation Trust Area Manager for Herefordshire, said: “This new post will provide a enhanced service to victims, in addition to support already provided by the team at West Mercia Women’s Aid.”

“Through Herefordshire Community Safety and Drugs Partnership, local agencies work very closely to assess risk and ensure victims are safe. West Mercia Probation Trust, along with West Mercia Constabulary’s Public Protection Unit are very supportive of the new role and are committed to ensuring victims receive comprehensive and effective support.”
 
“We encourage any woman who is experiencing domestic abuse at any level to phone the West Mercia Women’s Aid Helpline on 0800 783 1359, where trained female staff can provide advice and refer victims on to a wide range of support services, including the IDVA.”

For more information, please contact Susanne Graham on 01432 260324, or Alison Grange on 01432 260658.