menu
General News

New service for victims of domestic abuse in Brighton and Hove

Besi Besemar February 17, 2014

New drop-in surgery every Wednesday at Hove Town Hall.

Hove Town Hall

Sussex Police and RISE, the Brighton and Hove domestic abuse charity have joined together to offer a new Domestic Abuse Drop-in ‘Surgery’, with the support of Brighton & Hove City Council.

The surgery will be available at the Customer Centre at Hove Town Hall, every Wednesday morning between 9am and 12 noon.

Through the Service, which adds to the ongoing Sussex-wide ‘talk to us’ campaign, focusing on domestic abuse, women and men of all ages will be able to access expert information and advice from Sussex Police staff and RISE volunteers.

The surgery offers people a safe space to talk through their concerns, a chance to find out more about the options available to them as well as access to assistance with their housing options and finances.

People will also be able to find out more about their partner’s offending history so that they can make more informed choices. Each case is considered individually and information will be shared when it could reduce the risk of someone being a victim of crime.

Louise (not her real name) a local domestic abuse survivor who now supports the work of RISE, believes that new services like the surgery are vital in encouraging people to reach out and access support.

Reflecting on her own experience of making a report, Louise said: “It took me 24 hours to make it to a police station after I had been assaulted. It was only a few streets away but felt strange and alien. I had a heavy feeling knowing that I had to make the change and stand up to the person who had hurt me. I walked slowly there, even stopping for coffee to put it off; I wasn’t even sure the police would take action and worried that the abuse wouldn’t stop.

“When I got to the police station I just started crying, right there at the front desk. They were fantastic and being listened to and believed made me feel safe. The new domestic abuse surgery would have been a really good option and far less daunting. I would be very pleased to see it succeed in making people feel safe in discussing any worries they have about themselves or people they know. Hopefully the informal setting will make people feel more comfortable and make it easier to report abusive behaviour.”

More than 10 incidents of domestic abuse are reported to Police and council workers in the city each day. But behind these statistics are personal tales of fear, intimidation and often violence. It is believed that the true picture will be much higher as often abuse goes on ‘behind closed doors’. It is estimated that up to 6,000 people experienced violence or abuse last year.

Cllr Jason Kitcat
Cllr Jason Kitcat

Cllr Jason Kitcat, Brighton & Hove City Council Leader and chair of the Community Safety Forum, said: “Domestic abuse destroys lives and that’s why we’re determined to prevent it. Working closely with city partners we run a whole range of services and initiatives to not only make sure residents know what domestic abuse is but where they can get help to stop it.

“This ranges from educating school children about healthy relationships, providing direct advice and help to those affected or offering a refuge to those directly under threat.

“This is the first walk in domestic abuse surgery in the city and as such will provide easy access every Wednesday morning at HoveTown Hall to residents who need some expert advice and support.”

Chief Super Nev Kemp
Chief Super Nev Kemp

Chief Superintendent Nev Kemp added: “Every day of the year, voluntary and statutory organisations work in our city to encourage people to access support and advice as early as possible and before abuse escalates. The surgery is another way that people can talk to us and our partners at RISE. It is an additional service being offered and is open to everyone in the city.”

Gail Gray, CEO of RISE a local domestic abuse charity, said: “RISE is very happy to be involved in supporting this new initiative. RISE is very keen to increase access to support for survivors of domestic abuse in Brighton and Hove”.

Katy Bourne
Katy Bourne

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne, concluded: “Any new way of making domestic abuse services more accessible to those who need them, has my full support. The Domestic Abuse Drop-in ‘Surgery’ demonstrates that partner work and sharing best practise is essential if we want to encourage more reporting of this hideous crime. I look forward to following the progress of this new project and meeting some of the staff and volunteers involved.”

To access the drop in visit Hove Town Hall and ask for ‘The Surgery’ at reception.

This latest initiative supports the ongoing Sussex Police Talk to us campaign focusing on domestic abuse.

For details. CLICK HERE: 

Or telephone: 101 or 01273 470101

If you don’t want to talk to the police, call the RISE helpline on 01273622822 

For more information about Rise, CLICK HERE: 

The 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline is also available on 0808 2000 247

 

 

 

X