Struggle goes on to end domestic violence

10:54am Monday 18th February 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

WHILE the nation was in the grips of Valentine's fever last Thursday, a group of people who know exactly what can happen when romance turns sour, met to look to the future.

Essex Against Domestic Violence chose the most romantic day of the year to launch its plans for the next three years.

The group, set up in 2002, works by bringing together all of the different agencies involved with the detection and resolution of domestic violence and it shares information and ideas.

Essex Police, Essex County Council and Southend and Basildon Women's Aid are among those involved.

Dr June Freeman, chairman of Essex Against Domestic Violence, said: ."Over the past three years, there's been a big improvement in the action taken against domestic violence and the communication between the different agencies.

"In terms of tackling domestic violence in Essex, we've made some real strides forward, but there's still very little room for complacency."

Those strides forward include the introduction of the county's first Specialist Domestic Violence Court, which covers the areas of Basildon, Brentwood and Thurrock.

The court is designed to speed up the legal proceedings in domestic violence cases and help reduce the stress suffered by the victims.

To help with this, three independent domestic violence advisors have been appointed to give support, advice and information to victims who face the difficult task of appearing as witnesses in court.

To further build upon its successes, the group unveiled six further goals for the next three years. These include increasing the number of successful prosecutions, working to enhance public awareness of the incidence of domestic violence and the suffering it causes and an increase in the amount of support for children witnessing domestic violence in their home.

One of the guest speakers, a victim of domestic violence herself, also called for more to be done to help children.

Sue, a mum of four, grew up with a violent father and then bullying stepdad. She later ended up in an abusive relationship herself.

She sought help from her local refuge ten years ago and has since set up her own business and bought her own home.

"Looking back I can't believe this is me I'm talking about," she said. "Why did I stay? Well, where can you go when you have four children and no money?"

"I'm here today to speak for the women who can't speak for themselves. I ask everyone not to judge us. Our early childhood experiences form and shape our adult actions."

She's now calling for more work to be done to help teenagers who have grown up surrounded by domestic violence.

"They're the next generation of the cycle," she warns.

Pam Young and Lyn Headley of Basildon Women's Aid were encouraged by the day's events.

"The awareness of domestic violence has come on leaps and bounds in recent years," said Lyn.

"The Government has got action plans, all the local crime and disorder reduction teams have got action plans.

"People are recognising that domestic violence is at the root of a lot of society's problems."

• WOMEN'S only gym, Curves, of Rayleigh, is setting aside its joining fee between March 3 to 15, in return for a bag of non-perishable food to be donated to Southend Women's Refuge. Call the gym on 01268 775615 for more details.