Pamper Packs to Domestic Violence Victims
22nd March 2007
Pamper Packs Filled with Messages of Support and Hope for Domestic Violence Victims
The Wiltshire Criminal Justice Board and Safer Wiltshire Partnerships have used March as Domestic Violence Month as an opportunity to show their support to victims of Domestic Violence who are living in refuges throughout Wiltshire by compiling ‘Pamper Packs’ with little goodies which have been donated from businesses throughout Wiltshire.
The Body Shop in Chippenham and Lauder and Gamlin Pharmacy in Trowbridge have kindly donated items that will be greatly appreciated and enjoyed by the women who are living in the refuges across the County and to make their stay during what is a very traumatic and difficult time in an unfamiliar environment, a more comfortable one.
Refuges and safe houses provide emergency accommodation for those women and children when they are most in need. Through the provision of the packs, the WCJB and the Safer Wiltshire Partnerships which includes Wiltshire County Council, District Councils, Police, Fire, Health, Probation and a wide range of key partners from the voluntary sector are aiming to re-confirm to them that there are support networks available that are thinking of them and can offer assistance through this stage in their lives.
Across Wiltshire there have been 509 requests for refuge accommodation received between April – December 2006. 121 women have been accommodated in Wiltshire refuges or safe-houses between April – December 2006.
There is a strong commitment by Wiltshire County Council and its partners on the Safer Wiltshire Partnership to tackling domestic violence, by raising awareness, encouraging reporting by victims and offering advice including to families and friends.
Hayley Mortimer, Domestic Violence Reduction Coordinator, said: “Domestic violence is a crime and is unacceptable in any form. People will often stay in an abusive relationship for a number of reasons ranging from love to terror. There are also practical reasons why victims do not leave, for example fears about losing their children, homes and/or their possessions.”
Support and advice can help give victims the strength and encouragement to move forward and break the cycle.
For help and advice on any domestic violence issues contact:
The National Domestic Violence Helpline (24hr) 0808 200 0247
Victim Support Wiltshire - 01380 729476.
In an emergency always call 999.
For further information please refer to:
http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/what-is-domestic-violence.pdf
For further media enquiries, please contact:
The Wiltshire Criminal Justice Board
01225 781 216