New support service for victims of domestic violence

Date published: 01/07/2008

Bury women who are victims of domestic violence are benefiting from a new
service provided by Bury Council and Places for People, an organisation which
has a strong and national track record of supporting and housing vulnerable
people.
The support service, replaces the Bury Women's Aid which disbanded at the end
of March. It had been running in Bury for almost 30 years and was the only
organisation of its kind in the Borough.
The good news is that the council has quickly pulled out all the stops to
provide help and support for local women. The new scheme is delivered by two
dedicated support workers who will be based at the Places for People Office in
Bury. Places for People has run a number of similar schemes across the country
and is looking forward to working with Bury Council and other local agencies to
deliver this vital service.

The service which was launched on 23 June, provides help and support for women
in their own home, rather than at a refuge. The scheme will offer specialist
housing advice, information about benefits victims may be entitled to as well
as practical advice. Referrals to the scheme can be made through a social
worker. For more information, help or support should contact Gail Newsham on
01294 372 419.

Sam Cohen, Executive Member for Safer, Stronger Communities said: "I am
delighted to see this very much needed service in operation again and hope that
we can build on this by developing other community based services for victims
of domestic violence in the near future".

The National Domestic Violence helpline can be contacted 24 hr a day on 0808
2000 247 and is a free and confidential service.