The Isle of Wight Council has underlined its commitment to protecting victims/survivors of domestic abuse and their children, so they can live on the Island without fear of harm, intimidation or abuse.
Two new contracts for specialist services for victims of domestic abuse, and for those using abusive behaviours, have been awarded by the council in partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Services include community-based crisis support and counselling provision led by Island staff, and refuge provision and alternative safe accommodation options with access to out of hours support.
Simon Bryant, director of Public Health and chair of the Domestic Abuse Partnership Board, said:
"Victims/survivors of domestic abuse have shaped commissioned services on the Isle of Wight by sharing their views on the response required.
"The impact of domestic abuse is wide ranging and can include mental, emotional, physical, social and financial effects.
"The service will include a focus on reducing barriers to accessing services, and addressing the wider issues we know that victims/survivors often face, as recovery is not a linear journey."
PCC Donna Jones added:
“Domestic abuse is an abhorrent crime that has a devastating ripple effect across relationships, families and communities.
“Working with partners to highlight and reduce domestic abuse is one of my priorities as Police Commissioner, and these robust services will help to further protect residents and communities across the Isle of Wight.”
The contract which will provide support for victims/survivors of domestic abuse will be delivered by PARAGON, which is part of The YOU Trust, from Island-based premises and include:
- community-based domestic abuse services providing crisis and longer-term support;
- refuge provision and alternative safe accommodation options;
- group-based programmes;
- services for children and young people;
- training, prevention and awareness raising activity.
All victims/survivors will be proactively contacted within 24 hours of being referred/referring themselves to this service. It will also operate a 24-hour telephone line for out-of-hours urgent enquiries.
The YOU Trust has more than 35 years' experience working with people affected by domestic abuse and has achieved Leading Lights accreditation from SafeLives, a national domestic abuse charity.
The second contract, to be delivered by the Hampton Trust, will work with people using abusive behaviours and include:
- community-based domestic abuse interventions for people using abusive behaviours;
- support for partners/ex-partners of those using abusive behaviours;
- prevention and awareness raising activities.
Island residents will be able to access both services free of charge. Both services will be delivered by trained and qualified staff, using trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches.
The services will work closely with partners, the Domestic Abuse Partnership Board, and a victim/survivor voice forum that is currently being established on the Island.
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