Warwickshire’s web success nets support

A domestic abuse support website in Warwickshire has proved so effective in getting the right help to people that it is now being shared with other authorities and praised as an example of ‘good practice’.

The layout and content of the site, set up by Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse (WADA), has now been used by Strathclyde Police Authority as well as councils in Devon and Hertfordshire.

WADA – a group of over 30 agencies working together to tackle domestic abuse in Warwickshire, including Warwickshire Police – created the Talk 2 Someone website to offer a range of support, including a free helpline, for anyone affected by domestic abuse, including perpetrators who may be looking to turn things around. Last year, 110 people sought counselling to change their behaviour.

WADA has just launched a new slimmed-down ‘mobile’ version of the website suitable for mobile phone users.

Sue Ingram, Warwickshire’s domestic abuse manager and spokesperson for WADA, said the Talk 2 Someone website is both comprehensive but easy to navigate.

“This was recognised by the other authorities which have requested permission to adapt the style and content for their own areas; in many cases the translation has been verbatim,” she explained.

“A unique feature of the website is the ‘covering your tracks’ section, which prevents the site appearing in web browser histories and is important to victims who need to be extremely cautious when taking the first steps to leave an abusive relationship.

“The other authorities were also keen to duplicate this and we have agreed. We have been extremely pleased to share our knowledge and expertise across county boundaries in this way which will help more people to get access to the support they need.”

Ms Ingram added: “The new mobile website makes it much easier for anyone affected by domestic abuse to seek this information at a time and place convenient for them where they will not be disturbed.”

DS Mandy Swain, who manages the domestic abuse unit at Warwickshire Police, said: “This is a huge step forward and we are delighted that we can now offer this new service. We hope it will encourage anyone affected by domestic abuse to seek help and talk to someone.”

WADA has purchased 40 new mobile phones at a discount from Tesco which will be loaned to people who do not have their own mobile, offering them another way of contacting the police and other agencies and helping to improve their own and their family’s safety.

DS Swain added: “We are grateful to Tesco as the mobile phones will ensure that someone affected by domestic abuse will be able to contact us in an emergency even if their own phone has been damaged, they cannot afford their own, or their current phone is needed as part of the investigation process. It also provides greater peace of mind to the victim.

“The mobile phones are provided to people on a temporary loan basis where during the investigation into a domestic incident it becomes apparent that the victim could have trouble contacting the police in an emergency.

“Although the phones have no credit on them, 999 can be dialled without credit.”

Ms Ingram said: “This will be a vital line of communication for victims of domestic abuse in Warwickshire. Being able to contact someone like the police urgently will help prevent incidents of domestic abuse. Warwickshire County Council welcomes any initiative such as this, which will help keep victims and their children safe from domestic abuse.”

Warwickshire County Councillor Richard Hobbs, portfolio holder for community protection and member of the police authority, added: “Through working together, agencies in Warwickshire all do a great job to support and protect people affected by domestic abuse and its far reaching consequences for families.

“It is pleasing to see some of this good practice acknowledged by other authorities and we are happy to work with them to help tackle the issue further afield.”