Initiatives to stop domestic violence show early results

IN the past two months the number of reported incidents of domestic violence across Darlington has dropped by a third and the number of repeat victims is also down.

Joy Easterby, of the Domestic Violence Forum, said the reason for this was effective partnership working since the launch of a specialist advice scheme in September.

The most recent initiative to be launched is Darlington Homesafe - involving the Domestic Violence Forum, Durham Constabulary and SureStart.

The scheme aims to help victims of domestic violence, who suffer even after the physical abuse stops because they have uprooted their families and fled to a refuge.

Domestic violence police officer Louise Guy said: "Research has shown that it can be traumatic for victims to have to leave their homes and all they have worked for behind to find safety at a refuge.

"We want to help to make it easier for them by allowing them to stay in their own homes and feel safe."

The free service allows victims to have their door locks changed where appropriate, get a Tunstall safety alarm fitted and make use of an emergency mobile phone leasing scheme.

They can also undergo personal safety training.

In the past few weeks, almost 30 people across the borough have successfully made use of the new service.

In the new year, the forum is also launching a perpetrator programme - a 34-week training scheme that aims to re-educate abusers and stop them from offending.

Ms Easterby said: "The programme is split into three modules and addresses the attitudes, beliefs and values of the perpetrator."

The forum will also be working with children who suffer because of domestic violence in the home.

Ms Easterby said: "Children are 15 per cent more likely to be abused where there is domestic violence in the household. We will be working with children through play and games, encouraging them to learn about healthy relationships.