Domestic abuse warning from authorities as Valentine's Day approaches

This year Bristol Domestic Abuse Forum's Valentine’s Day campaign highlights problems of domestic abuse and violence for people who may not realise that there is help available for them, as it’s a sad fact that February 14 isn’t a hearts and flowers day for many people.

“We want to highlight that help and support are available for people, women and men, who are experiencing abuse in same sex relationships, as well as relationships between a man and a woman. We are also reaching out to people with learning difficulties and younger people who are experiencing domestic violence and abuse, whatever the relationship they are in,” said Lesley Welch, domestic abuse strategic co-ordinator for the Safer Bristol Partnership.

“Domestic violence and abuse is a crime which affects 1 in 4 women and a similar number of gay men in Bristol,” said Lesley Welch. “It can affect teenagers in their first relationships as well as older people. Someone we know is experiencing domestic violence and abuse in their relationship now, and we can support them to get help.”

Activities include the following:

Gay men, lesbians and trans people (LGBT) can find it particularly hard to seek help if they are being abused as they may fear it will reinforce homophobic prejudice.This year Safer Bristol has set up a blog (www.lgbtmessagesbristol.wordpress.com) to allow LGBT people to offer support to people in same sex relationships who experience domestic violence.

“The Misfits,a theatre making company based in Bristol led by people with learning difficulties, are performing a play I BELIEVE YOU.

The main message of the play is – “I believe you, it's not your fault, there's help for you.” Through the use of drama the actors want to get across how people feel about their lives and help the audiences understand their life experiences.

“For this play the actors have worked with the NHS Public Health Department to raise the issues in the area of domestic abuse where the problems can be compounded for people with learning difficulties”, said Ruth Dawes, senior health promotion specialist for Bristol NHS. “We have also produced an easy read leaflets for the parents, family and friends of people with learning difficulties who may be being abused it can be very difficult to know how to help them.” These can be downloaded from the Bristol Domestic Abuse Forum website (www.bdaf.org.uk).

North Bristol Domestic Abuse Forum will be sending Valentine’s cards to schools in their area, highlighting issues of domestic violence for young people and where they can get support. “Young people can find it difficult at first to realise a relationship is becoming over controlling and abusive and then may find it difficult to find a way out of it. We want them to know there is advice and details of support available,” said Alex Wood., chair of North Bristol Domestic Abuse Forum. Contact Alex.wood@nhs.net.

There will be a peaceful demonstration co-ordinated by Next Link in Queen Square Bristol at 11am on February 14th 2011. This coincide with the publication of a new leaflet which contains information on support available for people who have been raped or sexually abused.

A new leaflet for family and friends worried someone they know is being abused is available on www.bdaf.org.uk

In 90% of cases of domestic violence where children are involved, they are in the same or the next room. Two women every week are killed by abusive partners.

“Even if someone doesn’t want to go to the police, there are agencies in Bristol and anonymous telephone helplines where they can get support,” Ruth Dawes said. “Sometimes, the best thing we can do for someone experiencing abuse is to say - do you want to talk about it?”

“Everyone has the right to live their lives free of violence, abuse or fear, whatever their sexuality or gender identification. No-one deserves to be abused or hurt, ” said Cllr Barbara Janke, Leader of Bristol City Council.

Anyone who is worried that a friend or family member is experiencing abuse, can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 to report it, or Bristol Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 6949 999 for advice and support.

In an emergency, always call 999.

For more help and advice:

• National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247
• Bristol Domestic Abuse Helpine 0800 6949 999
• Womankind Helpline Bristol: 0845 458 2914
• Next Link (support for female survivors in Bristol): 0117 925 0680
• Victim Support (support for female and male victims in Bristol): 0845 456 6099
• Wish (support for male and female survivors in Hartcliffe, Withywood and Knowle): 0117 903 8632
• Broken Rainbow (for LGBT survivors): 0300 999 5428
• Freedom Programme (groupwork support in Bristol for female survivors) 07990 558593
• Men’s Advice Line (for male victims): 0808 801 0327
• Respect (for people worried about their own behaviour): 0845 122 8609
• www.bdaf.org.uk for more information on services in Bristol.