New pathway ahead for people affected by domestic abuse in Hemel Hempstead

Services and organisations will be signposting to local services that offer support for anyone affected by domestic abuse in Hemel, Dacorum or wider Herts
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The Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership are using the internationally marked 16 Days of Action from International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, through to 10 December to highlight their work on the Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Pathways Project.

The project will help shape future domestic abuse services and support in Hertfordshire, it has survivors at its centre and will focus on co-production with those who have experience of domestic abuse.

The overall aim is to identify what needs to be done in Hertfordshire to ensure all victims and survivors of domestic abuse receive the right help, at the right time to truly meet their needs.

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Recently almost 650 survivors, who have lived experience of domestic abuse, responded to a survey with their feedback about what help and support they really needed.

More than 250 of these people were willing to talk to The Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership directly about their experiences and to be involved in helping to shape the future of services for others.

They also heard from over 150 front line workers about their professional experiences of supporting people affected by domestic abuse.

Work is now underway to evaluate the findings from the surveys ahead of any new commissioning of services in Hertfordshire and the Domestic Abuse Bill.

Jenny Coles, chair of the Domestic Abuse Executive Board and Director of Children’s Services at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “Domestic abuse is not just simply about violence, abuse can come in a variety of forms, it can be physical, emotional, sexual, financial or psychological. It can be controlling, forced, manipulation or threatening behaviour.

"Most importantly, domestic abuse does not discriminate.

“Sadly, the pandemic saw an increase in domestic abuse reports across Hertfordshire. We have adapted our services and responded well; however, we know that there are many people who do not get the right support, at the right time.

"This is something we are committed to changing and why the Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Pathways Project is so important. I’d like to thank all of the survivors for their bravery, their feedback and input will be invaluable in making sure the best possible support is in place in the county for anyone affected by domestic abuse.”

Domestic abuse can have a devastating impact on individuals, families and children, and it is important that people know help is available regardless of the pandemic.

Throughout the 16 Days of Action, services and organisations across Hertfordshire will be raising awareness on social media and signposting to local services that offer support for anyone affected by domestic abuse.

Detective Chief Superintendent Kay Lancaster, Chair of the Domestic Abuse Partnership Board, said: “While the pandemic has meant many changes for policing, we have not lost any focus on tackling domestic abuse in Hertfordshire.

"Neither the pandemic, nor any associated restrictions excuse abusive behaviour, and we continue to respond to reports and hold perpetrators to account for their actions.

“Specialist officers working in our Domestic Abuse Investigation and Safeguarding Unit understand the many feelings victims may have about reporting abuse in the home.

"The team deals with reports sensitively and their primary aim is to protect people and families from harm.

"Our new Beacon Safeguarding Hub, launched in May, also means that more people experiencing abuse are receiving additional personal support. If home isn’t safe, we’re here to help.”

You can show your support by liking and sharing their posts using #16days and #YouAreNotAlone to help raise awareness and join in the conversation.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, call 0300 790 6772 for advice and support. (This number operates 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Calls outside of these hours may be diverted to a national helpdesk).

In an emergency, always call 999. If you are afraid or unable to speak, call 999 from a mobile and press 5, 5 when prompted.

For more information, visit www.hertssunflower.org or contact the Hertfordshire DA Helpline on 08 088 088 088 (9am-9pm Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm Sat/Sun).