DVD launch at Bowood House
Agencies work together to tackle domestic abuse
A SOCIAL film drama depicting the issues surrounding domestic abuse has been launched with a screening at Bowood Golf & Country Club.
The film, entitled ‘Leaving’, was commissioned by Deputy Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police, Stephen Long, as a “call to action” to employers, professionals and the general public to be aware when presented with the signs of domestic abuse.
The launch event on Monday, July 7 was attended by 150 representatives from the public, private and voluntary sectors.
Leaving stars the BAFTA nominated actress Kierston Wareing and tells the story of Helen and her attempts to leave an abusive relationship.
Kierston attended the launch, along with the teenage actor who played her son in the drama, Joe Siffleet.
Kierston made familiarisation visits to refuges and said she fully supported the campaign.
The film will be delivered to organisations via a DVD and information pack, with details of supporting materials which will enable it to be used as a training resource in Wiltshire, Swindon and further afield.
Leaving was produced by Chippenham-based company Glennie McIntosh in association with Omni Productions and with guidance from a panel of domestic violence experts, including Jenni Manners of Swindon Refuge and Wiltshire Police.
It aims to enable viewers to make a strong connection into the lives of the characters in order to encourage appropriate and positive action to take place and increase the number of reports of abuse.
It will serve different audiences, including professionals, employers, perpetrators and victims.
The project was funded by contributions from The Home Office, Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Primary Care, Wiltshire County Council, Westlea Housing Association and Swindon Borough Council.
A thousand copies of the DVD will initially be sent out to local employers, public sector organisations and health workers to raise awareness.
DCC Long said 50 domestic murders have been investigated by Wiltshire Police in the past 20 years.
He added: “The cost of domestic abuse not only to victims but to their families, their friends, their employers and to society as a whole is enormous and one which we all have a responsibility to reduce.
“The film Leaving will act as a catalyst to any organisation, small or large, in the public, private or voluntary sector to better understand the obstacles a victim of domestic abuse faces and what practical steps they can take to help victims.”
Above: Kierston Wareing and Joe Siffleet, who star in the DVD, at its launch at Bowood Golf & Country Club.
Left: Deputy Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police, Stephen Long, who commissioned the social film drama.