CHANGING LIVES: help for domestic violence victims highlighted

As a national police campaign warns of the threat of increased domestic violence during England's World Cup campaign, Bath & North East Somerset Council is increasing the awareness of local support available through a video telling the story of a domestic violence victim on its new webpage – www.bathnes.gov.uk/changinglives

The Council commissions local community organisation Southside to provide district-wide help and support to victims of domestic violence and their families. Since the Council started funding Southside, over 300 cases like Lisa’s have been dealt with.

Lisa Brown said, “Before I got help from Southside, I felt lonely, scared and very, very worthless. They gave me very good support when I needed it, they were non-judgemental and they were there for me. I’ve cried with them and they’ve never judged me. That was a great, great help.

“I hope when people in a similar situation to what I was in watch my video story on the changing lives website they will have the confidence to get in touch with Southside to get the help I did. I’m now a much stronger person and I’m now confident enough to support Southside as a volunteer.”

Southside is an independent, community based charity. Eighty per cent of their work involves domestic abuse.

Penny McKissock, Director at Southside, said, “We’re here to help, whether that’s a cup of tea, practical help in the home, transport to appointments, right through to legal advice and counselling. We can support victims and their families, no matter how big or small the problem is. I hope Lisa’s video story will encourage people to get in contact with us.”

Councillor Vic Pritchard (Conservative, Chew Valley South), Cabinet Member with responsibility for community safety, said, “Organisations like Southside are an essential part of Bath & North East Somerset Council building communities where people feel safe and secure. This work is changing the lives of local people like Lisa and we want to increase awareness of how people in a similar position can access these services.”

Find out more by contacting Southside on 01225 331 243 or emailing admin@ssfp.co.uk or go to the Council’s website on www.bathnes.gov.uk/domesticviolence