Warwickshire County Council and its partners are observing Domestic Abuse Awareness Month throughout October, aligning with the national campaign theme "With Survivors, Always." This initiative aims to place survivors' voices at the forefront, acknowledging their strength and resilience, and ensuring their experiences inform the development of services and policies designed to enhance safety.
The campaign theme underscores a year-round commitment to listening to, believing, and supporting survivors. Domestic abuse can affect anyone, irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or background. While women and children are disproportionately impacted, men and individuals from the LGBT+ community also experience abuse, which can leave a lasting effect on children who witness or are subjected to it within the home.
“"The theme 'With Survivors, Always' reflects our commitment to listening to survivors' experiences and ensuring support is available when it is needed most."
“"If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or are worried about someone you know, please reach out for help. Taking that first step can be difficult, but support is available and you do not have to face it alone."
Beyond supporting survivors, Domestic Abuse Awareness Month encourages friends, family, neighbours, and colleagues to recognise the signs of abuse and feel confident in assisting others to access support. Specialist services available across Warwickshire include Refuge Warwickshire, Safeline, RoSA, and the Blue Sky Sexual Assault Referral Centre.
Residents are also reminded of Clare's Law, which enables individuals to request information from the police regarding a current or former partner's history of abusive or violent behaviour, thereby aiding informed safety decisions. Information is accessible via Talk2Someone at www.talk2someone.org.uk. In immediate danger, call 999; for non-emergencies, contact 101.
