The networking event was held at Paignton Library and was sponsored by Healthwatch Torbay. A packed room listened to speakers from Devon & Cornwall Police, Women's Circle, Women ROC, Safer Communities Torbay, Youth Genesis, Ladies Lounge, The Devon Clinic, TDAS and Wollens. The event was organised to highlight that there are both commissioned services and community and voluntary sector organisations in Torbay who can help support those who have experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence and their families. It had been felt that people perhaps didn't know what was available locally or how to refer people to them for help.
Because of the complex nature of domestic abuse, support needs to be much wider than the specialist commissioned support services. Peer to peer support can be very empowering and provides women with a safe space to chat, vent, discover new skills and, very importantly, to be themselves.
DI Si Lee and DI Gaynor Bell outlined the support that can be offered to someone from a police perspective, including the MARAC process.
Victoria Harle, a family law executive with Wollens solicitors, outlined the kinds of civil injunctions that can be taken out to help protect a victim of domestic abuse and their families.
Our directory of services includes local and national groups and organisations that can offer support.
