A specialist service for families experiencing domestic abuse launches for Lincolnshire
It's hoped to help tackle the issue of abuse within families and support those most in need
An improved support service is being rolled out in Lincolnshire, that's hoped to better assist families experiencing domestic abuse.
Each year, around 30,000 Lincolnshire residents aged 16 to 74 are victum to abusive relationships.
But hoping to tackle the issue, Lincolnshire County Council - with support from partners - has commissioned a specialist service that includes recovery support, intervention schemes and an outreach team.
Patricia Bradwell OBE is the Executive Councillor for Children's Services, she tells us more about the service:
"Obviously, we've got a new refuge service in place. We've got the new support service in place, and obviously we've enhanced that, because now we've got specialist assistance for issues with stalking, controlling behaviour.
"I think that everyone at some point realises they need support, but I think, to have this service for everyone - we know that victims really appreciate it - as a Council, that support is very important for people within the county.
"You know, it is just about us being there, and abuse can hit many areas within the services that we all provide in. It's not just the County Council or the people who are doing the refuges. It's about, everybody recognizing if somebody needs support, then we're all there to do it. "
Alongside the County Council is Lincolnshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, and the NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board that have supported the development that launches this month.
The new-look service will include:
- Online support and advice for all domestic abuse victims
- A support hub and helpline, directing people to the most appropriate services
- Intervention services for both adults and children and young people
- Recovery support
- An outreach and engagement team
The support package also includes specialist assistance for adults undergoing experiences such as stalking, controlling or coercive behaviour and honour-based violence.
Patricia continued to say that there will also be here will added measures to protect children:
"I think it's very important for the victim, and very often the children within the family as well to have that support, and we have found over the years, that supporting people, really helps them.
"Obviously it doesn't help them to get over the situation they're in, but we can be there for support, especially with children.
"You know, it is very difficult, for children to understand why sometimes mom and dad aren't getting on, or something like that. It's very difficult. So you know, that wrap-a-round support for the victim and the children within the family, is very important to us."
In addition to the service, there will be advice for businesses on supporting staff affected by domestic abuse, while the team will also be working to increase community awareness, meaning victims are less likely to go unrecognised.
The new service will be called Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Specialist Service (LDASS) and will be delivered by EDAN Lincs.
Visit www.domesticabuselincolnshire.com for further information.
Alternatively, you can get in touch with EDAN Lincs if you need support by calling 01522 510041 or, in an emergency, ringing 999.