More than 2,500 offences were recorded in Barking and Dagenham in 2015/16
Councillor Maureen Worby is sat opposite me and she is very clear in her views on what is often a very difficult subject to discuss.
We’re meeting to discuss the recent announcement that Barking and Dagenham Council is teaming up with Refuge to provide extra services for victims of domestic abuse.
More than 2,500 offences were recorded in the borough in 2015/16.
One incident last year struck a chord with Cllr Worby, Barking and Dagenham Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Care and Health Integration.
A person was killed by their partner in their home. Out of respect to the family, we are not naming the people involved.
They were not known to police or social services but neighbours had their suspicions.
“I remember the morning that poor person unfortunately died,” Maureen tells me. “There was a post on the community Facebook page saying ‘lots of police in … road.’
“And within five minutes, people were posting ‘oh dear, I hope that’s not …’ and naming an individual.”
The person named on social media was indeed the victim.
“People knew that this person was a potential victim of domestic violence and in this instance, they ended up dead,” Maureen said. “None of us (police, council, social services), we didn’t know that they were a victim. But the community knew they were a potential victim.
“And nobody had said anything.”
When asked what neighbours could have done differently to change the outcome, Cllr Worby said: “I’m not putting blame on anybody but, for me, that was another indication of just how widespread the problem is.
“If you think you know someone’s being abused, tell someone. We’ll make the approach. If we don’t know they’re victims, we can’t offer them support.”
Councillor Worby, right, signing an agreement with Refuge
From the way Cllr Worby speaks, the impact this story had on her is clear. Tackling domestic abuse is a huge priority for her and the council has launched several schemes this year.
It is backing a free legal advice service for victims, in conjunction with the Citizens Advice Bureau, and has plans to set up a commission which will investigate the causes of domestic abuse and work on ways to tackle it.
That is on top of the project with Refuge, which Cllr Worby says will cost £1.5million over the next three years.
“Enough’s enough,” she says. “We’ve got to up the game.”
“You can tell the council, you can tell the police. We work in partnership so telling them is as good as telling us.
“If you feel more comfortable, tell staff at your children’s school. They can pass it on through our referral process.
“Let’s be open, let’s not tolerate this.”
Refuge will be launching a new phone number for residents in Barking and Dagenham. Anyone with concerns can contact them, whether it is about themselves, a friend, family member, a work colleague, a neighbour or anyone else you know.
Until that new number is launched, there are other ways you can seek support or advice.
If you’re experiencing domestic abuse and need help, you can contact Barking and Dagenham Council by calling 020 8591 3498 or emailing bdadvocacyreferrals@victimsupport.org.uk.
In an emergency, always call police on 999.
Tags: Dagenham, Barking, Barking and Dagenham
