A new support and refuge service for people affected by domestic violence and abuse has launched this week in Warwickshire.

The new service called ‘Refuge – Domestic Violence Service Warwickshire’ will provide a single point of contact for anyone concerned about domestic violence and abuse in the county.

The service, delivered by the national organisation Refuge, has been commissioned by Warwickshire County Council and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire, to deliver the following support provision:

• Outreach support, drop-ins and group work programmes
• Specialist advocacy for high risk victims of domestic violence and abuse (IDVAs)
• Specialist support for male, BME and LGBT victims
• IRIS (Identification and Referral to Improve Safety) Advocate Educators to work with GP practices
• Management of the Sanctuary Scheme
• Coordination of Warwickshire’s MARACs (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences)
• Refuge accommodation for women that need to escape domestic violence and abuse on an emergency basis

From the 1 April 2017, the new service can be accessed on the following contact details:

Specialist domestic abuse helpline: free phone 0800 408 1552. Operating hours:  Mon – Fri 08:30 – 20:30 and Sat 10:00 – 16:00. The helpline is closed on a Sunday.

Referrals line for professionals: free phone 0800 408 1552. Operating hours: Mon – Fri 09:00 – 17:00 and email for more information dvsw@refuge.org.uk.

The helpline number can also be used for contacting the MARAC Co-Ordinator.

More information about the service is available at http://www.refuge.org.uk/what-we-do/our-services/refuge-warwickshire-domestic-violence-service/

In an emergency always call 999.