West Norfolk says No!! to domestic abuse

SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF KING’S LYNN

               IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

WEST NORFOLK VOLUTARY AND COMMUNITY ACTION

‘WEST NORFOLK SAYS NO!! TO DOMESTIC ABUSE’

FORUM ON DOMESTIC ABUSE 

On Saturday 20th June the club held in partnership with West Norfolk Voluntary and Community Action a study day “West Norfolk Says No to Domestic Abuse”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Delegates heard talks from a range of speakers including a Victim’s Perspective, the Role of the Police and the Voluntary Sector.  Delegates had the opportunity to ask questions and raise issues with members of a panel, consisting of a range of support organisations. 

The first speaker was a representative of EASE (East Anglia Survivors Enterprise).  EASE is a support group which was established in 2004 to help meet the needs of women and child survivors of domestic violence.  It is run by women survivors and relies entirely on fundraising and voluntary donations.  Services offered include regular drop-in sessions in various locations, free training courses (e.g. First Aid, Food Safety and Money Management) and a free helpline.

It is hoped to re-establish an EASE support group in the King’s Lynn area in the near future and the organisers welcomed any offers of help. 

It was agreed at the end of the day that although progress had been made, there was still a widespread need for help to be offered to those experiencing domestic abuse as well as those who had survived.  There needs to be a sustained effort to raise awareness of the issue; to change attitudes and behaviours so that abuse becomes regarded as totally unacceptable; to encourage victims to seek help;  to support those experiencing abuse and ensure that there is on-going help for survivors.   This can be done by; talking about the issue, lobbying local and district authorities to ensure that there is adequate provision and lobbying Members of Parliament to ensure that services for these very vulnerable people are not cut. 

 

 

 

 

Delegates meeting during the coffee break to discuss the issues raised with the Regional President. 

 

 

 

 

 

Speakers, delegates and members meeting during the break.