The South Ward Neighbourhood Management Partnership and NS Housing have jointly funded an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to work alongside high risk victims in South Ward offering intensive support and where appropriate supporting the victim to give evidence against perpetrators.
The post is part of a multi-agency targeted approach to responding to domestic abuse problems in North Somerset which includes North Somerset Against Domestic Abuse (part of Novas Scarman Group) Gemini project, victim support, police, the council, probation and PCT.
Considerable consultation was conducted to ensure that the post meets a real need and dovetails with the existing support in place for victims. Consultations took place over a period of four months with the following organisations: Police, CSDAT, Domestic Abuse Forum, Barnardo’s, South Weston Children’s Centre, and The For All Healthy Living Centre. Local residents were also directly involved in the consultations through sub group membership and shadowing opportunities.
The South Ward IDVA supported 40 high risk victims of domestic abuse in the first year of the service. She helped people with a wide range of issues including –housing, benefits and education; attended court with people when needed and; assisted with improving home security.
For more information about the role of the IDVA, please contact Louise Branch on 01934 426343