New dedicated out of hours line for domestic abuse
People wanting to report domestic abuse will be able to access a new out of hours number from this week.
Wiltshire Council will be operating a dedicated line from 5pm weekdays and all over the weekend for people who want to report concerns or seek help.
During the week, Splitz provides a support service on behalf of Wiltshire Council. The charity supports victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence, and children and young people impacted by domestic abuse. It carries out interventions to support perpetrators and provide safe accommodation for victims and their children. During the pandemic and beyond, Splitz has adapted its services and continues to deliver a high level of service to those in need. The volume of self-referrals into Splitz had increased by 50% during the pandemic, which shows that vulnerable people do know how and where to access local help. Currently Splitz receives around 60 to 70 referrals each week for support.
The new dedicated out of hours line is 01225 712880 and will take over from the Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service, which has kindly provided additional out of hours telephone support to Wiltshire residents over recent months.
Cllr Simon Jacobs, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Protection said: "If you are suffering domestic abuse or you know someone who is, then please get in touch with Splitz or our dedicated phone line out of hours. No one should suffer in silence. It is really important everyone knows where to seek help and that it is available any time of the day.
"We have invested in training and a dedicated line to ensure people that need help can access it. Splitz is a valuable partner and this out of hours service will complement that service and reinforces the message - we are here any time of the day to provide support."
The helpline is one of the strands for supporting domestic abuse victims.
Last week the Wiltshire Council cabinet agreed to spend £830k of government funding on a range of measures that meet the strict criteria for the government funding. The funding will be used to provide support for all victims of domestic abuse and their children, regardless of their relevant protected characteristics, within relevant supported accommodation. Read the Wiltshire Council sets out funding proposals to tackle domestic abuse.