Team approach to domestic abuse

MODEL RELEASED. Domestic violence. Silhouette of a woman protecting herself from a blow from her partner by holding her arms in front of her face.

But for some the added costs and pressures can lead to arguments and family fights that result in an increase of domestic abuse incidents.

Domestic abuse is already more prevalent in Ashfield than in other parts of the county. This is an issue that Ashfield police has tackled head-on by engaging in a partnership strategy with an experienced domestic abuse worker.

Ashfield police’s Insp Nick Butler has successfully applied for funding to secure the full time position in the first joint initiative in the district.

“I approached Women’s Aid Integrated Services (WAIS) who kindly agreed to partner this ground-breaking approach,” said Insp Butler.

“It was vital that we did more than we are currently doing to support people affected but with the increased demands on the police service and cuts to funding we had to make a different approach.”

The worker is based at Hucknall Police Station and will work alongside the police to help and support survivors of domestic abuse.

“Our worker is highly trained and experienced in supporting survivors and her primary role is to do this.

“By having her work within the police station, it not only frees up officer time but provides an important link between the survivor their family and the police.

“Very often people find it difficult to talk to someone in uniform but now we have our new worker she is able to offer access to a whole host of help and support both practical and emotional.”