Devon Domestic Abuse Services hit by funding cuts

Domestic Abuse Awareness week is 4 weeks away. The idea is to have a series of events around Devon to raise awareness of services to victims of abuse, to make it easier for them to take the first step of seeking assistance.

I was therefore extremely dissapointed to receive the following email yesterday

Dear Colleague,

I am writing to inform you about a number of changes that we have needed to make to our referral services. This is due to SAFE having a 15% reduction in funding from 1st October which has had implications on our capacity to provide the full range of referral services previously offered.

As with immediate effect we will not take standard risk cases from referring agencies.

SAFE will no longer accept referrals for our Pattern Changing courses from agencies direct. Allocation to our courses will be for service users of SAFE who are/have engaged with a SAFE support worker, outreach worker or IDVA.

Clearly the changes will have implications on your staff teams and I would be grateful if you would disseminate this information to your staff.

We are clearly disappointed at the changes we have needed to make and I assure you that SAFE will continue to offer service users a timely and quality service.

Doreen Baker MCIM
Chief Executive

Stop Abuse for Everyone

SAFE ( Link to the SAFE Website )  is an excellent organisation and the pattern changing courses are excellent.

Over the years, I have acted for numerous women who have been the victims of abuse, who have attended the pattern changing course and who have been empowered by it.

It is easy for the victims of abuse to become trapped in an abusive relationship. This leaves their children vulnerable to being removed by Social Services, as an abusive household is by its very nature harmful to children. In fact, I have acted for parents who have not been able to separate from abusive partners and who have lost their children to adoption. But I have also acted for Mums who have saved their families, with the assistance of the Pattern Changing Course.

I would urge anyone who is being abused by their partner to get in touch with SAFE. Their website says;

“We are the only organisation in the area that specialises in the support and protection of women, men, children and young people affected by domestic violence and abuse.

All our support services are free. If you stay at the refuge you will have to make a contribution to your accommodation costs.

All the information you share with us is confidential unless we have any concerns about safety
and risk.

For 24 hour confidential support and information call 01392 667144 or our free local helpline on 0800 328 3070.

For enquiries and referrals about outreach support in the communities of Exeter, East and Mid Devon ring our Outreach services on:- 03030 30 0112.

The 01392 number cannot be traced but the free phone number and 03 numbers may show up on your bill.”

 

Those who are victims of Domestic abuse should also take Legal Advice. Legal Aid is still available to obtain Court Orders to give protection from Domestic Abuse.

Here is the list of  East and Mid Devon Domestic Abuse Specialists September 2013

But as for the cuts, why is funding being cut to organisations supporting victims of abuse? I am outraged, and everyone else should be too