Following Alex’s article last week highlighting the impact council budget cuts will have on the Women’s Refuge on the Isle of Wight, we hear of a new Website aimed at providing support for those affected by domestic abuse.
Whether it is physical or psychological, domestic abuse is a crime that should not be tolerated, but all too often, those affected have no idea where to turn for help.
Launched at the beginning of the month, The Hampshire Domestic Abuse Forum (HDAF) aims to provide information on domestic abuse for victims, friends or family members and even offenders.
As well as factual information, advice and support, there’ll also be personal stories from people who have escaped abusive relationships.
Jude Ruddock-Atcherley, who is the Strategic Domestic Abuse Manager for Hampshire County Council, said: “It is estimated that 56,000 women and girls have been a victim of domestic abuse in the last year in Hampshire. We have developed this website to try and help the public and professionals have easy access to information, help and support.
“Some people are fully aware of the abuse that they are living with on a daily basis and this site will help them to find out the information and agencies which can help them. Other people may not realise that the way they are being treated is in fact abusive and that they have a right to live free from abuse – this site also aims to help them find the information they need and the people who can help them.
“There is also lots of information aimed at the family and friends of people experiencing abuse, people who are concerned about their own behaviour, children and young people, people experiencing so called ‘honour’ based violence, and also professionals working with and supporting people everyday.”
