Posted on: 27 January, 2022
Together with more than 40 local multi-partner agencies, Wokingham Borough Council is proud to announce a collaborative partnership to deliver the Domestic Abuse Strategy (2021-2024) to support victims, survivors and their families living in Wokingham Borough.
Responding to the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, the strategy, which was approved by the decision-making executive in December, sets out approaches for providing support to domestic abuse victims and their children, holding perpetrators to account and working towards long-term wellbeing. Early intervention, particularly in schools, will be addressed to help educate and influence values in childhood and adolescence, as well as shifting social norms to become less accepting of violence and abuse.
The partnership involves working closely with more than 40 local multi-partner agencies and organisations including the council’s domestic abuse service provider, Cranstoun, to share key service information whilst working hand-in-hand to help domestic abuse victims and survivors in Wokingham Borough.
Executive member for neighbourhood and communities Cllr Bill Soane said, “I am delighted to announce this pro-active working partnership to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse. With the backing of our local multi-agency partners, we will deliver a comprehensive three-year plan to raise awareness of domestic abuse, promote the various channels of support available, provide educational training in schools and provide safety for victims and their families living in Wokingham Borough.”
Assistant Director of Services at Cranstoun, Wendy Taylor said, “Cranstoun are fully supportive of Wokingham’s new Domestic Abuse Strategy. We have a great opportunity to work together to improve the lives of those affected by domestic abuse and look forward to being part of the strategy delivery partnership.
“No one should experience domestic abuse. Everyone has a right to feel safe, secure and sure within their own homes. At Cranstoun, we are here to help, we are here to empower and we are here to challenge and change abusive behaviour.”
Chief executive officer at Kaleidoscopic UK, Vickie Robertson said, “We are delighted to be part of such a vital strategy that is hugely needed and long overdue. Working holistically as well as implementing trauma informed approaches is our goal so to be part of this strategy alongside many other incredible organisations is fantastic. This strategy will have a huge impact for anyone subjected to any form of abuse in the borough and hopefully encourage victims and survivors to come forward knowing they will be fully supported. We are honoured to be able to keep the voice of the survivor highlighted.”
Chief executive officer at Support U, Lorna McArdle said, “Domestic Abuse support is a new service for us. Many LGBTQ+ people find it difficult to reach out to generic support services. Being connected to other services with expertise is so valuable and it is important to have specialist services available for those with additional barriers to overcome, alongside the services which are more established and open to all.”
Inspector Justin Thomas at Thames Valley Police said, “Thames Valley Police are committed to supporting victims of crime and breaking the cycle of abuse between perpetrator and victim. We are proud to be working closely with our partners to tailor the response and support to those in need.”
Specialist practitioner for domestic abuse at Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Sue Carrington said, “Domestic abuse can have a huge detrimental effect on people’s health both physically and mentally, so it is really important for those in, or who have been in abusive relationships to receive the correct support. This can then improve health outcomes for them and their families.”
There is lots of help and support available if you are experiencing domestic abuse or know someone who is:
- The Wokingham Domestic Abuse Service for victims/survivors, children and young people and perpetrator support: Contact via the website, or call 0118 402 1921 (calls answered 9am – 5pm week days with an out of hours emergency service in place)
- The Domestic Abuse Directory to find help and support: Visit the Wokingham Borough Council website
- Support U local LGBT+ domestic abuse support: Contact via the website, or call 0118 321 9111 (10am – 6pm, Monday to Friday)
- Kaleidoscopic UK, a local peer support service for adults and children: Contact via the website
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline (female victims): 0800 2000 247 (24 hours)
- Mankind Initiative (male victims): 01823 334244
- Male Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
- National LGBT+ domestic abuse helpline: 0800 999 5428
- Respect phone line (those worried about their behaviour): 0808 802 4040
- Tulips radio drama: available to watch on Youtube, Soundcloud and all major Podcasting platforms
- IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 999
The full partnership list includes:
- Wokingham Borough Council
- Cranstoun
- Kaleidoscopic UK
- Samaritans
- The Cowshed
- MAK Community Care
- NHS South Central Ambulance Service
- Police and Crime Commissioner Thames Valley
- Support U
- NHS Berkshire Health Trust
- Wokingham Recovery College
- Citizens Advice Wokingham
- Man Kind Initiative
- Paws Protect
- Berkshire Vision
- West of Berkshire Safeguarding Adults Board
- Thames Valley Police
- Berkshire West Safeguarding Children Partnership
- Berkshire Women’s Aid
- Crown Prosecution service
- DrugFAM
- Flag DV!
- HM Court Service
- Involve Wokingham
- PACT Alana House
- Probation Service
- Reading Football Club Community Trust (KICKS programme)
- Safe!
- Thames Valley Partnership
- Trust House, Reading
- Victim’s First