Domestic Abuse
- Mothers' Union has put together a violence pack, Out of the Shadows, with two aims:to raise awareness of violence and to help groups to share ideas, suggestions and to plan action to address violence. http://www.themothersunion.org/
In 2006 the Archbishops' Council published ' Responding to Domestic Abuse: Guidelines for those with pastoral responsibilities'. The aim of the guidelines is to inform, direct and equip those working at a local level - not only those working in authorised ministries, such as clergy or readers or pastoral assistants, but also those who may be entrusted by victims, survivors or perpetrators to hear their stories and who want to offer the most appropriate care. It contains an introduction to the issue, guidelines, suggestions for policies for action at both parish and diocesan level and appendices containing information on law, theology, marriage preparation, resources and stories. http://www.cofe.anglican.org/info/papers/ to download the paper on domestic abuse or buy from Church Bookshops for £5.99
- Victim Support is a national charity set up to provide emotional support and practical guidance to victims of crime to help them to overcome the emotional stress and material consequences of crime.
Victim Support is committed to providing a comprehensive service to all victims and in particular, to those who are, or who have, experienced domestic abuse. Their caseworkers are specifically selected and trained to work within this crime category and will offer one-off or on-going support, in the first instance by telephone. Visits will be made by prior appointment and consultation with the victim. This support is not reliant upon a Police prosecution.
Victim Support can, with the consent of the victim, arrange for support by the Witness Service at Court, along with pre-trial visits to the Court and discussion around special measures in-line with the new measures in place for vulnerable and intimidated witnesses.
24 hour National help line 0845 30 30 900
Victim Support in Sussex 0845 38 99 528
www.victimsupport.org
- Women's Aid is a national chariity, working to end abuse against women and children. It offers a 24-hour freephone helpline for those suffering domestic abuse. 0808 2000 247
Their website lists places in Brighton and Hove, Chichester, Eastbourne, Hastings, Lewes and Worthing where help may be found.
www.womensaid.org.uk