Refuge

Domestic abusers face crackdown in raft of new measures

Domestic abusers will face tags and tougher management under new measures to protect women and girls.

The new proposals go further than ever before in protecting women and girls from harassment, aggression and violence, and focus on stopping domestic abuse before it takes place.

Also from today (20 February), those at risk of, or suffering from, domestic abuse will be able to receive emergency help from one of 18 jobcentres and jobs and benefit offices across the UK, and a new postcode checker will tell them their nearest location to access the service.

The Ask for ANI (Action Needed Immediately) scheme is already in operation in over 5,000 pharmacies across the UK in over 88 cities, towns and villages. It is delivered in partnership with Hestia’s Safe Spaces. Anyone who is suffering from or fearful of domestic abuse can ask for ANI, and they will be guided to a safe and private space and offered support to call the police or specialist domestic abuse services.

https://www.hestia.org/safe-spaces

Domestic Abuse and the Healthcare System

Victims and survivors of Domestic Abuse have regular contact with Healthcare Services in many different ways and these services are crucial as can reach those survivors of domestic abuse who may not engage with other services. Every year nearly half a million survivors of domestic abuse seek assistance from medical professionals. We recognise that staff working in Healthcare Services plays an essential role in supporting victims of domestic abuse by identifying the signs of abuse and directing victims to relevant specialist support.

Legal aid is available for private family law matters if the applicant is a victim of domestic abuse, subject to the applicant passing a statutory means and merits test, and providing evidence of the domestic abuse or risk of domestic abuse. 

General practitioners are one of many professions that a vulnerable person can turn to for a letter to provide evidence of domestic abuse for access to legal aid.  

There are templates available on the government website:
Get medical proof of domestic violence – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Sexual Assault Referral Centres

The NHS have launched a campaign to raise awareness of sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) and to encourage victims and survivors to seek help.

The nearest SARCs centre is The Blue Sky Centre (based at GEH)

Tel: 0800 970 0370

George Eliot Hospital
College Street
Nuneaton
Warwickshire
CV10 7DJ

Visit the Blue Sky Centre website

They provide advice and online resources to help you offer the right support and advice to your service users.
Blue Sky Centre is here 24/7, 365 days a year to offer you information and guidance if someone discloses to you that they have been raped or sexually assaulted, regardless of when it happened.

or for online SARCs please visit https://horizonsarc.org.uk/

For further information and support, please speak to a member of our team.