The A Better Start Southend team wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part in our 16 days of action against domestic abuse. We are determined to continue to support those who are victims of domestic abuse and advocate for a safer future for all.

Our #16DaysOfAction campaign started on White Ribbon Day, 25^th November. Throughout the 16 days we focused on how domestic abuse can affect women in pregnancy, parents and their children.

We recognise that this is a sensitive topic that has affected many of us.  A lot of victim-survivors feel alone and dissociated, so it is important to spread a message of encouragement and to let people know what safe and confidential support and guidance is available. Not all abuse is visible, and it can take different forms, from coercive control to financial abuse.

Three quarters of victims of domestic abuse are women. In 2020 alone, 7.3% of all women living in England and Wales experienced domestic abuse. One in fifteen users of domestic abuse services in England and Wales are pregnant.

We have been working with local agency, Safe Steps, to commission two Early Years Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs) to work alongside victim-survivors at high risk of harm to support them in their decisions on the different options available to them as.  The advisers can help pregnant women and parents to secure their safety and the safety of their children. The IDVAs will be working across Southend.

The IDVAs will also provide advice and training to those who work with families in the early years.

For those who missed our campaign, please take a look at our campaign page here.

Meanwhile, if you or someone you care about is affected, help is closer than you think. Call Essex Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0330 333 7444 or visit their website https://essexcompass.org.uk. For the National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline call 0800 9995428 or email help@galop.org.uk. In the case of an emergency always dial 999.

Read Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s domestic abuse strategy here.