A new campaign has been launched in Sefton to raise awareness of domestic abuse

A new campaign has been launched in Sefton to raise awareness of domestic abuse and to highlight the support services in place for victims.

‘Don’t give domestic abuse a home’ is the message from Sefton’s Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA), Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid (SWACA), Venus, and Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Merseyside.

Domestic abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual or financial, committed by an intimate partner or family member.

The posters, leaflets and new webpage chart all the support services available for people affected by any form of domestic abuse in Sefton and give important contact details for any victims.

Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member Communities and Housing and Chair of Sefton Safer Communities Partnership has just launched the campaign.

She said: “In Sefton we will work in partnership to support victims, respond to perpetrators and raise awareness amongst our communities and partners about the signs and consequences of domestic and sexual abuse.

“Victims are often afraid to raise this form of abuse but we want our communities to know support mechanisms are in place.

“By working in partnership we will look to prevent abuse before it happens, and when it does work to prevent it from happening again by making sure victims and their families are given relevant information, care and support all underpinned by a knowledgeable workforce.

“We will continue to hold to account those perpetrators of abuse and will encourage by all means possible a change in their behaviour.”

In an emergency call 999 or to access the National Domestic Violence Helpline call freephone 0808 2000 247.

For more information and support services go to sefton.gov.uk/behindcloseddoors

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