At our meeting on 2nd June, we were delighted to welcome Anne Llewellyn-Knott from Safer Places, who updated us on the various programmes implemented since our last talk on the work of the women’s refuge.
We learnt that they provide specialist support for women with alcohol related problems (either their own or those of their partner) and, in those areas where they do not have specialisms, for example drugs, mental health issues, women are referred to the appropriate specialist agencies.
Of particular interest, was their successful liaison with Essex Police. Safer Places provide a support worker either to accompany the police when called out to a case of domestic violence, or to follow up on cases referred to her by the police, offering support and advice. They have found that women are much more likely to talk to their support worker than to the police, resulting in a greater percentage of perpetrators being charged and brought before the courts.
Another innovative scheme is Safer Places’ “Daisy Project”. Support workers go into A&E and the Maternity Ward of Harlow Hospital to train staff to spot signs of domestic abuse and to advise on follow up procedures. They are also targeting Doctors’ surgeries, hairdressers, beauty salons.
These are clearly programmes which could be rolled out in other areas.