NHS Devon’s trailblazing work to tackle domestic abuse and sexual violence has received national recognition, beating stiff competition from across the country to win in the national NHS parliamentary awards.
The NHS Devon team were nominated by three local MPs – Ben Bradshaw, Simon Jupp and Richard Foord.
The award is in recognition of the work NHS Devon has done to improve how GPs and hospitals respond to people who have experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence.
Domestic abuse and sexual violence are rarely considered a health issue, but the impact of...
Domestic abuse victims in the South West and their children will receive extra support to help them rebuild their lives in a safe environment, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announced today (15 February).
Over £11 million will be given to councils in the South West as part of £125 million government funding across England to make sure safe accommodation spaces, such as refuges and shelters, can provide victims with vital support services including healthcare, social workers and benefits.
Drug or alcohol support and other specialist services...
Devon CIC More Positive Me is organising a free webinar to help hairdressers spot the signs of domestic abuse. The webinar will give them the information they need to start a conversation and signpost victims to organisations that can help them.
Funded by East & Mid Devon Community Safety Partnership, the live webinar is taking place on February 17 at 7pm, by invite only. From February 18 the recording will be available as part of a short course for any hairdressers to sign up to.
Jeanette Brown and Debbie Coleiro, founders of More Positive Me who both have lived...
Empowering people to intervene when they witness unacceptable behaviour can help to prevent domestic violence and abuse, a new study has found.
Specific training for bystanders makes them “significantly” more confident to take action when they see or hear wrongdoing related to domestic abuse in their community, according to the research.
A total of 81 per cent of participants reported being more likely to intervene when they saw wrongdoing after the training, this increased to 89 per cent four months later.
This is the first academic study to examine a bystander...
The Centre for Social Justice has issued a new report urging all Britons to watch out for signs of domestic abuse among their neighbours in the wake of a sharp rise in attacks during lockdown. The report, Domestic Abuse and the Lockdown , warns that just as the Government has taken lockdown measures to contain the Covid-19 outbreak, traditional lifelines for vulnerable women, such as GP surgeries, churches, and hairdressers are becoming inaccessible. These are common places for victims to tell others their harrowing stories. Another key issue is the increasing diversion of police time and...
Exeter lawyer Penny Scott, who has contributed to the consultation on the Domestic Abuse Bill which is now being debated in Parliament, says more investment is needed if the Bill is to be effective.
Penny, who is a partner at Cartridges Law and chair of the Family Law Committee of the Law Society, said it was part of the business of the Committee to respond to bills of this nature with recommendations.
The bill had its first reading this month in the House of Commons and will be debated following its second reading on a date due to be announced.
A prize-winning young Devon body painter will be creating a human work of art in Exeter this weekend (February 10th and 11th) during this year’s One Billion Rising events, which are part of an international campaign against exploitation and violence against women.
18-year-old Milena Watts will paint a heart on her model, Dan, as part of a design representing healthy relationships.
She has come on board to support Exeter’s charity SAFE (Stop Abuse For Everyone) who are organising the One Billion Rising events in the city over the weekend. This year their focus is on...
Devon and Cornwall Police is launching a campaign designed to raise awareness of how domestic abuse can affect anyone and takes many forms.
The campaign will highlight the fact that domestic abuse can happen to anyone, at any age, in any kind of relationship. This phase will be highlighting the fact that domestic abuse can happen among groups such as the elderly, the disabled and same sex couples.
Domestic abuse isn’t just physical and can take many forms, such as intimidation, financial control, psychological abuse and others.
A family law specialist has spoken out about domestic abuse after the recent media storm surrounding The Archers.
Imran Khodabocus of The Family Law Company says that the long-running Rob and Helen storyline in The Archers, which culminated in a violent act, has been a timely reminder that victims of abuse need to know that there is help available to them.
“Too often victims of domestic abuse will put up with their situation until they can’t take anymore,” explained Imran.
“If you are continually being bullied and controlled, and have fears for your children, then a...
We will be 'rising' in Exeter again this year for #onebillionrising, join us for our flashmob in Exeter city Centre as we go live on persiscope around the globe.
1 in 3 women across the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. That’s ONE BILLION WOMEN AND GIRLS. Every February through March 8th, thousands of Risings take place in hundreds of countries across the world and within local communities – to show the world what one billion looks like and shine a light on the rampant impunity and injustice that survivors of various forms of violence face. People around the world...
