Domestic Abuse Awareness Week 2005

11 November 2005

SAFER WOKING STANDS UP TO DOMESTIC ABUSE

A special display offering help and support to victims of domestic abuse will appear in Woking Town Centre next week as part of the Safer Woking Partnership's contribution to Surrey's Domestic Abuse Awareness Week (21 - 27 November).

Staff and volunteers from Woking Borough Council, Surrey Women's Aid and Victim Support North West Surrey will be available in Wolsey Place Middle Walk (inside the shopping centre off the Commercial Way entrance) from Monday to Thursday and in the Peacocks Shopping Centre (outside Marks and Spencer) on Friday between 11am- 2pm daily to raise awareness of the support services that are available.

According to recent statistics, domestic abuse affects as many as one in four women in Surrey and men can also be victims of this kind of abuse. Acknowledging the problem, Safer Woking provides Surrey Women's Aid with funds for a full-time domestic abuse outreach worker for the area.

The Outreach Service works with women and children who are, or have been, experiencing domestic abuse in the local community. Between April 2004 and March 2005, the service supported 339 adults in Woking by giving practical and emotional support and acting as advocates for women going through legal and other processes. The service has a `one-stop shop' approach to supporting families, recognising that domestic abuse can impact on every aspect of victims' lives.

Victim Support North West Surrey currently provides help to 369 male and female victims of domestic abuse per year. Based in Woking , but also covering Surrey Heath Borough, Victim Support has seven specially trained and highly experienced volunteers who can offer emotional support and practical advice.

Speaking about Domestic Abuse Awareness Week, Camilla Edmiston from the Safer Woking Partnership said: "Domestic abuse affects many people across all social classes, age groups and ethnic backgrounds, and can happen at any time in a relationship. Ensuring that we can reach the women suffering from this abuse is crucial; this week is a vital part of raising awareness and to show that people don't have to suffer in silence. Local confidential support and advice is available. It's really important that people have access to this support and can talk to someone about their situation."

In addition to the staffed display in Wolsey Place and the Peacocks Centre, leaflets will be available at Woking Library and the Woking Civic Offices for the duration of Domestic Abuse Awareness Week.

Anyone who has been affected by domestic abuse and is in need of help can contact either the Surrey Domestic Abuse 24-hour confidential helpline on 01483 776822, or the local branch of Victim Support on 01483 770457.