Support services available for victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse in Swindon

The campaign launched on 25 November, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on Human Rights Day (10 December).

People of all genders can be affected by domestic abuse, which refers to abusive behaviours between people aged over 16 who are personally connected to each other, either in intimate relationships or within families. Domestic abuse can take many forms and perpetrators can be of any gender.

In Swindon, the 16 Days of Action campaign was launched by partners gathering to tie a white ribbon round a tree at the Civic Offices as a symbolic gesture of support to victims of domestic abuse.

Councillor Cathy Martyn, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Public Safety, said: “Domestic abuse can happen to anyone at any time. As the 16 Days of Action draw to a close, it is important that everyone is aware that a range of services is available across Swindon to support victims, whatever your gender. If you, or somebody you know, needs support, please do reach out. It’s never your fault and you never have to deal with it on your own – we’re here to help.”

Swindon Borough Council and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) jointly commission the Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service (SDASS) which is provided by SWA. The service provides refuge, support and a local 24-hour helpline for victims and survivors. The helpline can be reached by calling 01793 610610 and offers advice and support to victims, regardless of their gender.

In Swindon, Stonewater Housing provide a four-bedroom refuge for members of the LGBTQ+ community fleeing domestic abuse, family breakdown and hate crimes.  Anyone who would like more information about this service should contact safespace@stonewater.org.

The Council also received funding through the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to provide additional safe accommodation and support to victims of domestic abuse as part of the new Domestic Abuse Act 2021. This funding will be used to provide additional safe places for victims of domestic abuse who cannot access the Refuge in Swindon. Stonewater Housing and The Nelson Trust have been commissioned by Swindon Borough Council to work in partnership to provide the additional accommodation.

Additional Support Workers to help victims, including older people, people from black and ethnic minority groups, and male victims, are also being commissioned through SDASS. Therapeutic Services will be available for both adult and child victims.

Nationally, there are support services which are particularly targeted at male victims such as the Men’s Advice Line which can be found at www.mensadviceline.org.uk or by calling 0808 801 0327.

From March 2022, there will be a support programme for male victims in Swindon and Wiltshire, which will be run by the Mankind Initiative and is funded by the OPCC.

For more information about this charity organisation, which supports male victims and their families, visit: www.mankind.org.uk

Support is also available for perpetrators of domestic abuse to help them to make positive changes in their lives. For instance, 'Reprovide' is a voluntary perpetrator programme for men, living in Swindon and Wiltshire, who are concerned about their behaviour and want support to change. Anyone who would like to find out more about this programme should email: reprovide@wiltshire.splitz.org