Hillingdon Council launches innovative new scheme to tackle domestic abuse

The innovative new scheme was developed by the council and its partnership organisations based on feedback from victims and professionals, with the aim to provide the best possible support to anyone affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.

The council wants to reach people who may not know where to go to talk about domestic abuse, so the coffee mornings will provide a safe space and a friendly environment in which women can share experiences with each other.

The national Crime Survey 2015* indicates that eight per cent of women and four per cent of men between the ages of 16 and 59 have experienced some form of domestic abuse.

The true figure is likely to be higher as many incidents go unreported to the police. The council hopes that its coffee mornings will encourage more victims to seek support and report abuse.

The coffee mornings are also an opportunity to give female victims and survivors a voice, and will empower women to seek advice or access further services from professionals in an informal environment.

Councillor Philip Corthorne, Cabinet Member for Social Services, Housing, Health and Wellbeing, said: “Hillingdon Council will continue to work closely with domestic violence partners and agencies to support for victims of abuse, and safeguard the freedoms of women and young people in the borough.

“The White Ribbon coffee morning event is our chance to reach out to members in the community and create a safe place where victims can come to express their fears and concerns in a non-judgemental setting.”

The coffee morning initiative was announced at Hillingdon’s White Ribbon Day conference on 25 November, at which professionals and practitioners gathered to raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence.

All are welcome for a confidential and informal chat to share experiences.

For more information, visit: www.hillingdon.gov.uk/abuse