Barnet Council has renewed its commitment to tackle domestic violence and abuse of all forms in the borough with the launch of the new Domestic Violence and Abuse Services with its partner agencies last week.
The launch brought together all of Barnet’s partner agencies who share in its commitment to tackling all forms of domestic violence and abuse and violence against women and girls – with keynote speakers discussing how a joined up multi-agency approach will provide increased support for both victims and perpetrators.
The Worshipful the Mayor of Barnet, Councillor David Longstaff, helped launch the new service and said he was pleased to see of all the council’s partner agencies working together to address this important issue, which is a priority area for the council.
“Domestic violence and abuse can occur in all sections of society, regardless of ethnicity, social background, age, financial status and sexuality and can take many forms which may not be limited to physical abuse – which is why it’s so important we have a range of services available to both victims and perpetrators.
“It is up to all of us to speak out about domestic violence and abuse, if we see it, or suspect it is occurring. I’m passionate about spreading the message that we all need to become “upstanders” instead of bystanders, to help prevent domestic violence and abuse wherever possible,” Councillor Longstaff said.
As part of the council’s wider commissioning approach, the council is working with a number of partner agencies to offer specialist support to those at risk of, or who are a victim of domestic violence or abuse. These agencies are Solace Women’s Aid, Barnet Asian Women’s Association, Jewish Women’s Aid, Hestia (Marac,) and Rise Mutual CIC.
If you or someone you know is suffering from, or at risk of domestic violence and abuse, there are a number of services you can contact in Barnet confidentially for help:
- An Advocacy and Support Service, for anyone over the age of 16 years old – 020 8733 4113
- A refuge service for women and children – 0808 2000 247
- A perpetrator service for adults and young people(11-18 years old). and all their partners, expartners, parents They provide a service for perpetrators who want to understand the cycle of DVA and learn different strategies to manage this cycle. They also deal with child to parent violence and any abuse within an intimate relationship – 07535654244
- Rape and Sexual violence support service – 020 7619 1369
- Domestic violence and abuse courses for women and children – 020 8733 4113
