Domestic Abuse Week: Don't suffer in silence

EVENTS are being held across Somerset - including Yeovil - this month to encourage people not to suffer domestic abuse in silence.
 
Every year in Somerset thousands of women and men will suffer from this ‘hidden crime’ - one which is rarely discussed and is frequently ‘brushed under the carpet’ for years, often until it is too late for the victim.

Domestic abuse is much more common than people think; it can take all forms, including verbal threats, violence or abuse, coercive control and forced marriage. 
 
Throughout Domestic Abuse Week (which runs from November 19-23) Somerset County Council and NHS Somerset are lending their voice to local support organisations that have organised awareness events and information display stands in Frome, Minehead, Bridgwater, Highbridge, Taunton and Yeovil.

There will be a display stand, talk and information at Yeovil District Hospital (pictured) in Yeovil on Friday, November 23, from 10am to 4pm. For more information phone Amanda Knight on 07966-800-132.

Men suffer from domestic abuse as well as women.  Figures show that one in four women and one in six men will experience it at some point in their lives.
 
Cllr Christine Lawrence, Somerset County Council’s spokesman  for Health and Adult Social Care, said:  "Domestic abuse is often described as a ‘hidden crime’ because it goes on behind closed doors and is often never talked about or reported.

''The victim may not even know they are suffering abuse. Or they may be protecting family members and won’t put them at risk, or they could be just too frightened to seek help. That is why it is so important that sufferers of abuse know the signs and symptoms and where they can seek help and support.''
 
Louise Finnis, health promotion manager with NHS Somerset, added: ''If you, or someone you know, are in an abusive relationship there are three steps you must take.  Learn to recognise when it is happening. Accept that you (or the person you know) are not to blame and seek help and support.

''It is important that no-one suffers in silence with domestic abuse.  Here in Somerset there is a domestic abuse free phone line that anyone who is concerned about domestic abuse can use, whether it’s because they’re directly experiencing domestic abuse themselves, or are a concerned friend or relative.''

The confidential line will put you in contact with the appropriate help and advice. The Somerset Domestic Abuse FreeFone Support line is 0800 694 999 and this confidential line is available to anyone, male or female, and is open 24 hours.  It is answered by Chapter 1 – Somerset’s Integrated Domestic Abuse Service. 
 
 WHERE TO FIND HELP:
 
Chapter 1 provides Somerset's new Integrated Domestic Abuse Service. It offers emergency accommodation to those fleeing domestic abuse as well as a range of other specialist support.
 
As well as the Somerset Domestic Abuse Free Fone Support (DAFFS) line, support is also available from:
 
Somerset Changes (BCHA) www.bcha.org.uk  - an advice and support organisation supporting men and women from across the South West.
 
Information on domestic violence is also provided at www.somerset.gov.uk and www.nhs.co.uk
 

Tags:
News.