One victim of domestic abuse in Stevenage is seeking help from the town’s Citizens Advice branch every single day it is open.
The Stevenage branch has reported the telling statistic along with the fact that the number of domestic abuse victims contacting its base in Swingate House each month has increased by 40 per cent in the last year.
The latest data also shows CA has seen more than 251 domestic abuse victims in the last two years.
It says the most prevalent form of abuse is psychological, closely followed by physical abuse.
The branch’s chief executive, Daniel Marshall, said: “Clearly this is very worrying, although we are pleased that victims of domestic abuse feel that Citizens Advice is a safe place to come.
“We work closely with a range of relevant agencies in this area to ensure that victims are helped quickly and safely in the most appropriate way. In particular, we work closely with Stevenage Borough Council, which provides a range of excellent support. I would keep encouraging victims to come forward for help, whether that be to us or to other relevant agencies.”
Council leader Sharon Taylor has worked extensively with council officers to develop a network of help and support available for both victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse.
She said the increased numbers may in fact be a good sign that people are willing to come forward and talk about their suffering, but could equally show the problem is getting worse.
“Victims often suffer domestic abuse many times before they are willing to talk about it,” she said.
“It’s very important to us that victims feel they can come forward and get a good response.
“We have a comprehensive programme of support at SBC. The extent to which domestic abuse happens in the town is very worrying but we are undertaking a wide range of activities to try to deal with it.”
She says SBC offers comprehensive support through a panel of partner agencies to ensure that victims receive the right help for them, whether they decide they want to stay and try to deal with the abuse or to move elsewhere. The council has recently set up a safe house for those fleeing abuse and helps put security measures in people’s homes if they wish to stay put.
It also works with a forum of previous abuse victims who help support others affected.
Citizens Advice Stevenage is open for face-to-face advice from 10am to 3pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
You can call them on 03444 111 444.
More information can be found at www.stevenage.gov.uk by searching for domestic abuse or on the not-for-profit organisation’s website at www.stevenagecab.org.uk.
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