Advice and support for friends and family of domestic abuse victims – Buckinghamshire

04 August 2011

To mark International Friendship Day, Thames Valley Police in partnership with local councils in Buckinghamshire are offering friends and family of domestic abuse victims the information and advice they may need in the form of a new booklet.

On 7 August, International Friendship Day is celebrated across the world and the Community Safety Partnerships in Wycombe, Aylesbury, Chiltern and South Buckinghamshire will be working with neighbourhood policing teams across the county to start distributing the booklet which friends and family of domestic abuse victims can use as a reference to get information on how to support anyone they know who is suffering from domestic abuse, including advice on where that person can receive help.

Det Ch Insp Rebecca Mears of the Protecting Vulnerable People unit, said: "This day is an opportunity for friends and family who know a victim of domestic abuse to think about how they can get information and advice they need on how they can help and support them.

"We recognise the some people might not want to call the police and there are other agencies and support networks available to those affected by domestic abuse.

"Often someone will know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic abuse and this is a chance to think about these people and be aware that there is the information and support available for the victim's family and friends, as well as for the victim.

"The information in the booklet hopefully shows the value of us all being able to work together as a partnership to not only give those directly affected by domestic abuse the courage to seek help but the options available to families and friends."

Buckinghamshire County Council Domestic Abuse Coordinator, Sue Burke, said: "Don't wait for your abused friend to tell you about their situation. Bring the subject up yourself when their abusive partner isn't around. Let them know you are concerned about them and want to help. Also get some support for yourself.

"There is information in the booklet for not only the victims but those who might also be affected."

The information booklets providing support and advice to friends and family of domestic abuse will be available across the county in doctors' surgeries, libraries, police stations and other public buildings across the county.

For more information on domestic abuse, visit the Thames Valley Police website using the link below.

If you feel you are subjected to domestic abuse, whether physical, emotional or psychological, phone Thames Valley Police on 0845 8 505 505 or the National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247.

Domestic abuse is a problem in all sectors of the community, regardless of background, gender, culture or social status.

Local organisations also available for help and advice are:

• Aylesbury Women's Aid - 01296 436 827
• Wycombe Women's Aid - 01494 461 367
• Victim Support - 0845 4 503 883