Domestic abuse - make it your new year's resolution to seek help and support

The Royal Borough's Domestic Abuse Forum is renewing its campaign to raise awareness of available support for victims of domestic abuse.

The forum has updated and published its card of useful contacts which carries telephone numbers and web addresses for Berkshire East & South Bucks Women's Aid, Victim Support, Thames Valley Police and other support services.

Nationally one in four women, and one in six men, will suffer domestic abuse in their lifetime. Many incidents of domestic abuse go unreported, with the victim too scared to seek help or support, or unaware of the help available. If you are a victim of domestic abuse, make it your new year's resolution to seek help and support.

Cllr Phill Bicknell, cabinet member with responsibility for community safety, said: "For many people, Christmas and the New Year are a time of getting together with family and friends, but for some this can be a stressful time and a trigger for violence and abuse. There are no excuses for domestic abuse.

"Domestic Abuse is unacceptable and no one should have to live in fear of someone close to them.

"Make this year a commitment to yourself and your children to get help if you are living in an abusive situation.

"The council takes domestic abuse very seriously and will continue to work with all its partners to help reduce this problem. Those living and working in the Royal Borough need to know that all local partners, especially Thames Valley Police, will use their powers to support victims of domestic abuse and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions."

Sophie Wing-King, domestic abuse co-ordinator for Berkshire East, said: "It is important that we reach out to anyone, male or female, suffering abuse at the hands of a loved one so they can seek help and support from local agencies. We are using the updated card as another opportunity to get the message out to those who need help and support but don't know where to go for it."

The cards of useful contacts will be distributed widely across the borough. If you are an organisation in the Royal Borough and would like a supply, please call 01753 835503.

For more information go to www.rbwmdvf.org.uk

How do you rate this information/service?