New number for victims of domestic and sexual violence

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People experiencing domestic and sexual violence across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland can now seek help from a unified service by calling one new number.

From today (1 December) victims will be able to call 0808 802 0028 to seek help and advice, wherever they live in the area.

Previously Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council and Rutland County Council each commissioned their own service with a different phone number.

Now, along with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), they have joined forces to commission a new service through an organisation known as United Against Violence and Abuse (UAVA).

UAVA is made up of three local existing and experienced domestic and sexual violence services - Women’s Aid Leicestershire, FreeVa and Living Without Abuse.

Victims should still call 101, or in an emergency 999, to report domestic or sexual violence to the police.

Leicestershire Police will be working closely with UAVA to make sure that victims receive the help and support they need.

Stephanie McBurney, the city council’s domestic violence co-ordinator and led on the commissioning of the new service, said: “Until now the services available to victims of domestic and sexual violence varied widely depending on where they lived.

“The introduction of one phone number across the city, county and Rutland will also make it much less complicated for people to get the help they need.”

The announcement of the new number follows the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November.

On average two women die every year in Leicester and Leicestershire as a result of domestic violence. Nationally this figure is two every week.

Last November the police, OPCC and the councils joined forces to launch the ‘How Many Times’ campaign, which revealed that on average women will experience 36 incidents of abuse before seeking help.

The aim of the campaign was to raise awareness of the help that is available, and to encourage people to come forward to report abuse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on Friday 6th May 2016
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