Centre to help domestic abuse victims

A CENTRE dedicated to supporting victims of domestic abuse from across the Tamworth borough has been launched this week.

Family Justice Centre South East Staffs aims to provide a single point of access to all relevant agencies for women and men seeking support.

On Tuesday dignitaries, councillors and representatives of the partner organisations gathered at its base in Upper St John Street, Lichfield, for the launch.

Among them was Tamworth mayor Councillor Tina Clements, who said: ?This is a very important place. The agencies do essential work helping people in crisis through no fault of their own.?

FJC manager Kathy Bryers added: ?We are feeling really excited that the Family Justice centre is here.

?Previously, victims of domestic abuse have had to explain their circumstances each time they attempted to access a different service.

?Some victims had to locate and visit 14 different services to ensure their needs were met. The FJC means that they only have to go through the process once.?

Kathy said people can drop in to the centre, their doctor can refer them or they can refer themselves, accessing every agency they need.

Help is available from legal counsel, the police, social services, Pathway (a refuge for victims of abuse), domestic and sexual violence advisors, local healthcare providers and authorities.

Kathy added: ?Domestic violence is under-reported. It does not have to relate to a partner relationship ? it can be between siblings or other relationships within the family.

?Abuse can also include harassment or stalking.

?Some people might give up trying to make their lives safer because of pressure from a controlling partner.

?The Family Justice Centre is a welcoming environment and we have professional staff who can help.?

FJC has received support from Tamworth Borough Council, CAB Tamworth, Barleycorn Trust, Pathway, Staffordshire County Council, Lichfield District Council and Staffordshire Police which is making an anti-social behaviour champion available two days a week.

Other groups to have helped include Swinfen Broun Trust, Circlesquare, StudioDM, npower, Shakespeare in the Park, Michael Lowe?s Charity and Rawlet Trust.

?We do need more funding,? added Kathy.

?We are through the setting up stage and the launch was a success, but we need sponsors to come forward.?

Anyone who can help, or who needs to access services, should contact Family Justice Centre South East Staffs, 71-73 Upper St John Street, Lichfield, telephone 01543 442611.

Article source: http://www.thisistamworth.co.uk/Joining-launch-lifeline-broken-families/story-16635554-detail/story.html

Source: http://www.domesticviolence.co.uk/domestic-violence-news/centre-to-help-domestic-abuse-victims

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