Have you heard of the Domestic Abuse Champion’s Network? Come and join us!

Category: Adults, Children, General

Research tells us that victims of domestic abuse can go to as many as 5 different agencies before they find appropriate help, advice and support.  By having domestic abuse champions with increased awareness of the issue and knowledge of local services, the aim is to dramatically reduce this number and ensure early intervention. In Buckinghamshire we have a multiagency network of over 450 champions which is coordinated by Buckinghamshire Council and we are keen for more people to sign up.

Our network provides:

• Free training over 2 consecutive days (postponed currently due to Covid19). This covers the local picture in Buckinghamshire regarding support agencies and programmes, why victims stay and how to support them, the different types of perpetrator, the different types of abuse, the child’s experience, how to assess the level of risk with the DASH (Domestic Abuse Stalking Harassment) risk assessment and much more
• A monthly email bulletin with domestic abuse news nationally and locally
• Invitations to network meetings every quarter with high profile guest speakers from the domestic abuse field and the opportunity to network with other champions (for now these are taking place virtually).

There is no limit on how many from a department or organisation can be a champion, more the merrier as this strengthens  our ability to proactively spot the signs of domestic abuse in those we engage with on a daily basis whether in our working lives or our personal lives.

To find out more about the champion’s network visit this link: Reducing the Risk | Dedicated to the safety of adults and children at risk of domestic abuse

If you have any questions about the network contact faye.blunstone@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

If you have a concern about a colleague, client, friend or family member, the council has three eLearning modules available to support you. There is a module for managers on how to recognise signs and symptoms in the workplace and support victims, one for employees working in children’s social care and one on understanding LGBT domestic violence and abuse. Find these eLearning modules on our eLearning Portal.

As a reminder, here’s how to get help and support yourself. Anyone in immediate danger should phone 999. If in danger and unable to talk on the phone, dial 999 from your mobile and then press 55. This will transfer the call to police, who will assist without the caller having to speak.

·       Local domestic abuse support organisations:

o   Wycombe Women’s Aid: 01494 461367  wycombewomensaid.org.uk

o   Aylesbury Women’s Aid: 01296 437777  aylesburywomensaid.org.uk

o   Aylesbury Vale & Milton Keynes Sexual Assault and Abuse Support Service (Supports male victims of domestic abuse): 01296 719772  www.avmksaass.org.uk

o   Victims First: 0300 1234 148  victims-first.org.uk