| Take that first step to safety RBWM ia working with The Dash Charity to remind victims of domestic abuse that support is always available to help them take that first step to safety and regain control of their lives. As part of 16 days of national activism following White Ribbon Day, RBWM is also raising awareness of the different forms domestic abuse can take – whether that be physical, sexual, violent or threatening behaviour, controlling or coercive behaviour, economic, psychological, emotional or other abuse. Nationally, it is estimated that one in four women and one in six men experience some form of domestic abuse at some point in their life. In the Royal Borough, there were 3,059 domestic abuse-related incidents recorded by police during 2022/23 – an average of eight reports a day. The Dash Charity, which provides our domestic abuse support service, received 690 referrals into their adult support service and 103 referrals into their children’s programme. If you are a victim of domestic abuse: In an emergency, always call 999. If you can’t speak, call 999, listen to the call handler and answer questions, either by pushing buttons or coughing. If prompted, press 55 to let the operator know it’s a genuine emergency. The Dash Charity helpline – 01753 549865 – is open Monday-Wednesday from 9.30am-2.30pm and Thursday – Friday 9.30am-4pm. See the website for more information. Alternatively, you can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, which is free and open 24 hours a day, on 0808 2000 247. For more information, visit the website. The council’s Housing Service can provide advice, support and emergency safe housing 24/7 for victims within the borough. If calling Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, please contact our housing duty team on 01628 683803. The out-of-hours contact is 01344 786543. All libraries are designated safe spaces where staff are trained to discreetly seek help for victims. Several local pharmacies also offer safe spaces for victims. See the locations here. |
 The Dash Communi-Tea AppealThis winter, for the cost of a cuppa, you can help make sure domestic abuse victims get the support they need. For many people, support with domestic abuse begins in the safe space of a public coffee shop, with one of The Dash Charity’s trained advocates, being listened to and believed. The charity delivers our domestic abuse support service in the borough. Donate £5 to the Dash Communi-Tea Winter Appeal and your money funds much more than a hot drink. It fuels specialist advice and guidance to local people suffering any kind of abuse at the hands of a partner, ex-partner or family member. Its Independent Domestic Violence Advocates and outreach workers are professionally trained to support families, whatever their circumstances and work alongside them to find a practical pathway to safety. Last winter, its advocates and outreach workers supported more than 150 clients between October and March. To make a one-off or regular donation to the appeal, visit the JustGiving page. |