24/11/10…Oxfordshire supports ending violence against women and children

OXFORDSHIRE’S Domestic Abuse services are supporting a national campaign to end violence against women and children.

The campaign, which is being led by the Department of Health, will be launched tomorrow on White Ribbon Day (25/11), the International day for the elimination of violence against women and will continue until December 10.

Information will be available across Oxfordshire, in GP surgeries, health centres, district and county council offices and police stations to raise awareness of the help and support that?s on hand for those affected by violence.

Victims may suffer from more than one form of abuse, including rape, sexual harassment and exploitation, human trafficking, forced marriage, domestic abuse, and crimes in the name of honour. The impact on children and young people is particularly severe.

Det Ch Insp Paul Gration, the Protecting Vulnerable People lead for Oxfordshire, said: ?White Ribbon Day is another opportunity to raise awareness of both domestic abuse and violence towards women and children. There is some fantastic work going on across the country by a number of agencies, but Oxfordshire as a partnership should be particularly proud of the work they have done to date.

?Thames Valley Police is committed to encouraging victims to come forward, supporting them through the criminal justice process and working with them to help manage the risks to both adults and children affected. We will continue to work with our partners in both the public and voluntary sectors in supporting this agenda.?

Michelle Plaisted-Kerr, Oxfordshire?s Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator, said: ?There is a whole range of services to support those affected by domestic abuse, including a local helpline 0800 731 0055 (10am to 4pm), and our website www.amiabused.com which provides support and advice for those affected by all forms of abuse and professionals working with them.?

Services for domestic abuse also include outreach support, refuges, the independent Domestic Abuse Advisory Service for high-risk victims, specialist police domestic violence units, and a network of over 600 trained domestic abuse champions in local organisations including district councils, health centres and schools, who provide a one-stop shop for both adults and children.

Romy Briant, Independent Chair of the Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Strategic Group said: ?This is a national priority. The Coalition Government is committed to preventing violence against women and children happening or recurring, to protect and support its victims and bring offenders to justice. During the campaign, the Government will outline its vision for tackling violence.

?Abuse is much more common than you think; don?t blame yourself; you are not alone, you don?t have to suffer in silence. Calls to the Oxfordshire helpline won?t appear on your phone bill, and you can access the website www.amiabused.com for advice and information.?

The cost of services of domestic abuse in this county is