A new Domestic Abuse Service contract has been awarded to Southside Family Project by Bath and North East Somerset Council.
The service aims to reduce the risk of harm to survivors and their children of domestic violence and abuse, and builds on the Domestic Abuse support services provided by Southside over the past seventeen years.
Southside’s Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs) and support workers provide one-to-one outreach support for people experiencing domestic abuse, including crisis support for victims at high-risk of serious harm or death, which is critical to help them to access the safety and help that they need at times of crisis, and to safeguard their children.
The Domestic Abuse Service is for any resident of Bath and North East Somerset, over the age of 16, including children of survivors who are experiencing domestic abuse or violence.
The recent award of the contract to Southside means that their specialist support will help survivors, and their children, to feel safer, have increased access to justice, strong and resilient support networks, and improved physical and emotional wellbeing and health. It will also help them to live free from violence and free from controlling and coercive behaviour.
Information about how to access support and the Domestic Abuse Service can be found at https://south-side.org.uk/domestic-abuse-services/ or you can call us 01225 331243 for further information and guidance.
A survivor supported by Southside’s Domestic Abuse service said:
“Sam has supported me through a very difficult time this year, in particular with civil proceedings related to a non-molestation order against my ex-partner and perpetrator who has caused – and continues to cause – immense distress. I really don’t know what I would have done without Sam’s support. They have been there for me in my time of personal crisis; talked things through when I could not see the wood through the trees, and come up with ideas and solutions, which has been much appreciated. They are literally my hero!”
Penny McKissock, Southside CEO said: “I am delighted that Southside has been awarded the new contract for Bath and North East Somerset’s Independent Domestic Abuse Support and Advice Service. It means that our dedicated Domestic Abuse Team can continue their vital work supporting some of the most vulnerable children and adults in our community to get the safety and opportunities they deserve, to be able to thrive. Five-year funding allows us to plan ahead and build on our important partnerships with other agencies that are also providing support to victims of this horrible crime.”
Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, Bath and North East Somerset Council, said: “Anyone can become a victim of domestic abuse regardless of their background, income or age and we stand by everyone who suffers this form of abuse. I’m pleased that we have been able to award this new contract to Southside as it will mean victims in Bath and North East Somerset can continue to receive specialist support. This is important because domestic abuse is often under-reported and can take subtle forms that can be hard to spot, such as coercive control and financial and economic manipulation.”
