Printer friendlyDomestic Violence and Abuse - Don't Suffer In Silence
The South Bucks Community Safety Partnership and Relate Mid Thames and Buckinghamshire are joining forces to provide a drop-in service for women and men who are experiencing domestic violence and abuse.
The Domestic Violence drop-in service based at the Burnham Health Centre, Minniecroft Road, Burnham, will now be open every Monday between 9.00 am and 12.00 pm, instead of Tuesdays from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm.
The service is provided by a trained Relate counsellor who can give immediate advice and also arrange a face to face meeting with the victim in complete privacy.
South Bucks District Councillor Shorne Tilbey, Portfolio Holder for Community, says: "The drop-in service is not about telling victims what to do but empowering them to make their own choices. It is a gender-neutral service in which ongoing support can be provided to the victims and their families in a private and confidential way."
Although Domestic Violence is chronically under-reported, national research estimates that:
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it affects 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men in their lifetime
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on average, two women are killed every week by a current or former male partner
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it has more repeat victims than any other crime
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on average there will have been 35 assaults before a victim calls the police
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it is estimated to cost the United Kingdom economy £23billion a year
Domestic violence occurs across society, regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth and geography. The figures show, however, that it consists mainly of violence by men against women.
If you need to talk to someone in confidence call the South Bucks drop-in service (via Relate) on 01628 625320 for an appointment or just visit the drop-in centre between 9.00 am and 12.00 pm on a Monday.
For more information please ring Nahid Moghul, Community Safety Project Officer on 01895 837304 or Fiona Paine, Centre Manager for Relate Mid Thames and Buckinghamshire on 01628 625320.
ends.
Publication date: 23 June 2008
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