Refuge partners with Barking and Dagenham council to tackle domestic violence

Tracey Blackwell from Refuge (left), Barking and Dagenham Cllr Darren Rodwell Leader (middle) and Cllr Maureen Worby (right) signing a 3 year contract 

A partnership is launching this Autumn to tackle domestic and gender based violence in Barking and Dagenham. 

National charity Refuge has signed a three year contract with the council to provide specialist support to victims in the borough. 

Barking and Dagenham is currently experiencing some of the highest reported rates of domestic violence in the country.

It affects one in four women and one in six men across England and Wales at some point in their lives. 

To tackle this, Refuge will provide refuge spaces for women and children escaping domestic violence.

Jane Keeper, Director of Operations at Refuge, said: “They (the victims) will have been told by the person they live with there’s nothing you can do, no one will ever believe you, I’ll track you down wherever you’ll go, you’ll never get away from me. The reality is victims get away every day of the week.”

Refuge will also work alongside Rise Mutual to help perpetrators of domestic violence to tackle issues that cause them to offend.

This element of the service will work closely with the council’s children’s care and support teams alongside an intervention worker for survivors.

The partnership aims to tackle domestic violence

Cllr Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Health Integration, said: “Tackling domestic violence is a key priority for the council and we are looking forward to developing a strategic partnership with Refuge and Rise Mutual, as part of a wider whole system approach to tackling domestic violence and abuse in the borough.

“We are fully committed to keeping our residents safe and healthy – and our developing approach to domestic and sexual violence will be a key success factor for this in the coming years”.

The scheme also includes a programme of peer mentors, local training, and support for schools.

A single new phone number will be launched soon to access the service, whether you are a victim, a friend or family member, or the neighbour of a victim.

Alternatively, if you or someone you know needs aid contact Refuge on 02073957771. In an emergency, call the police on 999.