Domestic Abuse Newsletter
Is someone you know experiencing domestic abuse?
When someone is experiencing domestic abuse, it may take the person a long time before they will talk about it. There is an information leaflet available for friends, family and work colleagues who are worried about someone they know suffering from domestic abuse. The leaflet provides information on how to support victims of domestic abuse and the services available to safeguard them.
Domestic abuse support
If you, or people you know, are experiencing domestic abuse and need support, contact Black Country Women's Aid which provides a range of services and support to anyone experiencing domestic abuse. You can contact them 24 hours a day on 0121 552 6448. You can also contact them via webchat on the Black Country Women's Aid website and WhatsApp on 07384 466181.
Alternatively, there is a service for men and boys who have experienced domestic abuse, rape and sexual abuse. Contact Ask Marc by phone on 0121 289 6402, email info@askmarc.org.uk or visit the Ask Marc website for more information.
Birmingham LGBT Centre can also provide a range of support services.
News...
Financial support for survivors of domestic abuse
From Wednesday 31 January 2024, survivors of domestic abuse who do not have the financial means to leave their abusers will be able to apply for a one-off payment of up to £500. The payment is available via one of over 470 support services for essential items such as groceries, nappies or support with new accommodation to help them and their children flee to safety.
For the first time, survivors can also apply for a further one-off payment of up to £2,500 to help secure a sustainable independent future, such as putting down a deposit for rental accommodation. The fund, which will initially last until March 2025, will be delivered via referrals from a network of local frontline services in England and Wales including organisations, helplines and caseworkers who have a specialist understanding of domestic abuse. Visit the Women's Aid website for more details
Domestic violence and abuse: help from DWP
A guide for domestic violence and abuse victims about services from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
If you’ve left an abusive relationship and claim Universal Credit, your work coach can help you to open a new claim as a single claimant. From this moment your ex-partner will not have access to any information about your new claim. You can also get a rapid advance of up to 100% of your expected Universal Credit monthly entitlement. You may get a decision on the same day.
Domestic Violence in Teenage Relationships
According to the World Health Organisation one in four teenagers experience partner abuse. Please watch our short film on Domestic Violence in Teenage Relationships
Clare’s Law
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), also known as “Clare's Law” enables the police to disclose information to a victim or potential victim of domestic abuse about their partner's or ex-partner's previous abusive or violent offending.
Domestic Homicide Oversight Mechanism: HALT study briefings
The Domestic Abuse Commissioner shines a spotlight on the issues that affect all survivors and victims of domestic abuse. The Domestic Abuse Commissioner asked researchers at the HALT study at Manchester Metropolitan University to conduct analysis of Domestic Homicide Reviews in relation to the following themes; criminal justice, health services, children’s services, and adult social care. Read the HALT study report via the Domestic Abuse Commissioner website
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Last bus promise included in new passenger charter
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and bus operators have made a commitment to deliver a minimum standard of service under the West Midlands Bus Passenger Charter. The charter includes a ‘last bus promise’ under which passengers whose final bus of the day is cancelled or leaves earlier than usual can claim compensation for their alternative journey, such as a cab fare home. This is to ensure no one is stranded at a bus stop late at night due to the last bus not showing up and builds on work by TfWM to improve safety for vulnerable people through the Strategy for Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls when designing and developing transport infrastructure and services.
The new charter has been drawn up and agreed by the West Midlands Bus Alliance, a partnership which includes TfWM, bus operators and the transport industry watchdog Transport Focus. It also includes a commitment to keep passengers informed of changes to services, such as through social media and travel apps as well as notices at bus shelters and stations, and a pledge to make it as easy as possible for people to plan their journeys and buy tickets.
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The Victims and Prisoners Bill
The Victims and Prisoners Bill, currently making its way through Parliament, represents an opportunity to improve the service and support that victims receive.
Other related non-legislative measures will help to improve victims’ confidence to report crimes and seek justice, as well as to rebuild their lives.
Safety before Status - No Recourse to Public Funding
Many victims and survivors of domestic abuse with insecure immigration status do not report to the police or other statutory services due to the fear that their information will be passed onto Immigration Enforcement. This allows dangerous offenders to continue to abuse safe in the knowledge that their victims and survivors are too afraid to report to the police.
The Domestic Abuse Commissioner has set out a recommendation for an amendment to the Victims and Prisoners Bill so that all victims are treated as victims first, regardless of their immigration status. The Commissioner is calling for a firewall between Immigration Enforcement and statutory services, including the police, so that migrant victims and witnesses can safely report domestic abuse and other crimes. More information can be found in the Safety Before Status document on the Domestic Abuse Commissioner website
If someone is experiencing domestic abuse and the victim has no recourse to public funding, please contact Black Country Women’s Aid. You can contact them 24 hours a day on 0121 552 6448. You can also contact them via webchat on the Black Country Women's Aid website and WhatsApp on 07384 466181.
 The victim and the perpetrator
It’s all happening behind the scenes when the doors are all closed
And there’s no one else there but me, The victim and the Perpetrator and my Children.
Everything looks rosy, so cosy if only you knew, you see.
I am not allowed to be what I want to be, to be me is not an option,
I wish I could go through an adoption.
Each and every day the record keeps on repeating hearing the music of
Opposition, anger, abuse, isolation, brokenness and feeling so confused.
It tears me apart, where do I start.
My heart is torn in pieces has he tells me how much he loves me, and
That he will always be there, “I won’t do it again this is the last time I swear”.
He turns and tells me “You will never be rid of me because you need me ah ah
You can’t survive without me anyway”.
Behind the scenes I’m not allowed to have friends or even have a telephone conversation
On my own, he’s always there watching my every move, I don’t know what to do.
He has isolated me from my family I am not even given a choice, I have really lost my voice.
I am screaming inside will someone hear my cry.
You see I go out to take the children to school, but I am being watched by the clock tick tock, tick tock
I am dressed in layers of clothing my makeup is showing to cover the marks that I don’t want anyone else to see
“What would I do if he found out that somebody knew
So, I suffer in silence, afraid that he will harm my children.
Each day crying, feeling battered, and so torn inside
Needing help and support to clear my troubled mind and to get rid of this pain
That I carry inside.
“HELP ME” is my cry
I need someone to save me now! or I will die.
(Written by Sharon Blissett 04/12/23)
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