A special event will be held in Highbridge on Monday (November 21st) to mark Domestic Abuse Awareness Week.
The largely hidden and emotive issue of domestic abuse will be in the spotlight next week when organisations across Somerset participate in Domestic Abuse Awareness Week.
Information, displays and representatives from the Somerset Domestic Abuse Forum will be Asda supermarket in Highbridge on Monday 21st November from 10am to 12pm.
Domestic abuse is defined as ‘any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.’
Last year, Avon and Somerset Police recorded 5,144 incidents in total across Somerset with 1,694 people being arrested.
Louise Finnis, a Public Health Advisor with NHS Somerset, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Domestic abuse is still an issue which people are very reluctant to acknowledge, let alone talk about.”
“Yet its impact upon the health and well being of women, men and children is far reaching and often profoundly damaging.”
“The police and other statutory agencies take the issue very seriously, but we recognise that fear and intimidation within abusive relationships often means victims will often suffer in silence for years.”
“Domestic abuse occurs across all sections of society. It could be between a husband and wife, a partner, or after couples separate. However, we hope to raise awareness of the issue and show people that there is help and support available here in Somerset.”
Awareness raising events are taking place throughout the week in Taunton, Yeovil, Bridgwater, Highbridge, Glastonbury, Street, Porlock, Dunster, Minehead, Stogursey, Carhampton, Weddon Cross and Wellington.
There is also a Domestic Abuse Freefone Support Line on 0800 69 49 999 and information and support is also available from the Somerset Survivors web site here.
