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New support for victims of domestic violence

HOME OFFICE News Release (022/2009) issued by COI News Distribution Service. 10 February 2009

A new guide aimed at helping victims of domestic violence was launched today at a helpline for sufferers of domestic abuse by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and the new Victims' Champion Sara Payne, alongside new funding for support services.

The purse-sized guide shows how friends and family-members can recognise if someone is suffering from domestic violence and sets out what practical support is available.

In order that victims don't feel trapped by an abuser's control over family finances, the Home Office has been working closely with the British Bankers' Association to agree additional banking support for victims. This means, for example, that victims can open new independent accounts with a letter from a refuge manager confirming their circumstances, as opposed to the usual multiple proofs of identification which may be in the possession of, or access- controlled by the abuser. Victims can also open a new bank account giving just a PO box as their new address - thus protecting them and their independence.

All this information and the guide will be available on a new Home Office webpage, at branches of Jobcentre Plus, GP surgeries and local crime fighting agencies.

Other measures outlined today include:
* a further £3.5m to tackle interpersonal violence including continuing to expand numbers of Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARACs) that bring relevant organisations together to identify high risk victims as early as possible;
* £860,000 to support a range of domestic violence helplines that provide free counselling and advice including the National Domestic Violence Helpline, Respect, Broken Rainbow and the Men's Advice Line;
* a commitment to work with Jobcentre Plus and other benefits staff to offer domestic violence victims a fast tracked service - including regular visits to refuges and Sure Start centres to save traumatised women waiting at social security offices and ensure women don't end up returning to abusive relationships for financial reasons;
* updated training for Jobcentre Plus staff so they can better identify and support victims.

It is estimated that domestic abuse affects an estimated 4.8 million women and 3.2 million men. These measures are announced in advance of a consultation on a major cross-Government strategy to tackle Violence Against Women focussing on: actions to prevent violence; challenging attitudes; and reducing the fear of serious violence that some women may feel.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said:
"There is no excuse for domestic violence, in any situation, and I am pleased that more abusers than ever are being punished in our courts.

"I know from talking to domestic violence professionals that money worries may exacerbate domestic tensions. I also know that one of the reasons why many women remain in abusive situations is concerns about financial independence - I do not want any woman to feel trapped.

"I hope that new information about how the banks can support victims, even if it's just by offering to discuss personal and sensitive financial matters privately or explaining that they will accept non-traditional forms of ID when you need to open a new account, will enable more women to feel they can take their first step towards breaking away from their abusers."

Sara Payne, Victim's Champion, said:
"Domestic violence is often a hidden crime which is why it's really important that we do all we can to raise awareness that help is out there. This new leaflet will give people some pointers to help friends and relatives look out for the signs and provide information about how they can help.

"Domestic violence can make you feel trapped and by making information available we can support people who want to help someone at risk as well as individuals who want to take the brave step of leaving a violent relationship themselves.

"I want people to know that if they have to leave the house in a hurry, there is support - through helplines, charities like Refuge and even at the bank."

Paul Ross, Director at the British Bankers' Association said:
"The banking industry is committed to providing real and immediate help to victims of domestic abuse who are urgently in need of access to banking. This initiative will provide essential information for people in this vulnerable situation and reassurance that help is available."

Sandra Horley OBE, CEO of Refuge, said:
"One woman in four will experience domestic violence at some point in her lifetime. Her friends and family are likely to be the first source of support she seeks. We hope that the Home Office's new leaflet will equip friends and families with the tools they need to reach out to these women and break their isolation.

"For many women, however, calling a helpline is the first step towards a life free from violence. Helpline staff provide vital, sometimes lifesaving support, but they struggle to answer every call. The funding announced by the Home Office today will help to sustain these crucial lifelines.

"In some cases, women are at such high risk that they need specialist support from a number of different agencies. MARACs are highly successful initiatives that need continuing funding."

Frank Mullane, the brother of Julia Pemberton and uncle of William Pemberton who were both killed by husband and father Alan Pemberton in November 2003, has backed the leaflet. Mr Mullane is a member of the Victim's Advisory Panel and Founder of the charity Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse.

He said:
"The advice explains clearly how we can help those being abused; what we should and shouldn't say and includes a heart stopping reminder that we may be a survivor's only lifeline. I was shaking when I first read it knowing that had I seenit earlier my family might still be intact."

In the last year the number of MARACs has risen from more than 100 to over 200 and will continue to expand in line with the Government's commitment to roll them out nationally by 2011. Today's investment will help deliver that commitment.

NOTES TO EDITORS
1. A MARAC is made up of local agencies which meet to discuss the highest risk victims of domestic abuse in their area. Information about the risks faced by those victims, what actions are needed to ensure the individual's safety, and the provisions available locally is shared and used to create a risk management plan involving all agencies.

2. For more information about MARACS visit http://www.caada.org.uk.

3. The matrix of helplines supported by this money are the National Domestic Violence helpline, Men's Advice Line, Broken Rainbow (for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender victims) and Respect.

4. The British Crime Survey 2007/2008 said an estimated 4.8million women and 3.2 million men are affected by domestic abuse.

5. To see the new dedicated section of the Home Office website visit http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/domesticviolence

6. Paragraph 4 - Crimefighting agencies are Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRP). A CDRP is a multi-agency organisation with representatives from statutory, voluntary and private organisations that tackles anti-social behaviour and crime.

7. Refuge is the largest single specialist service provider of domestic violence services in the country. Alongside providing safe, emergency accommodation and emotional and practical support to women and children experiencing domestic, Refuge also provides services for children, individual and group counselling for women experiencing domestic violence and community based outreach services for women. Its services include specialist refuge and outreach projects for black and minority ethnic communities. It has a growing team of independent domestic violence advocates whose primary role is to support a woman through the civil and criminal justice system. On any given day Refuge is supporting over 1,000 women and children. It also runs the Freephone 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline in partnership with Women's Aid. http://www.refuge.org.uk

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