SEDGEMOOR District Council's Community Safety Team and the Together Team - East Bridgwater are supporting the national '16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence' campaign running from 25th November to 10th December.  

A key feature of this year's campaign is to highlight the role employers and businesses can play in supporting employees and spotting danger signs.

Domestic abuse is still prevalent in our communities with two women killed every week in England and Wales by a current or former partner (Office of National Statistics, 2015).

Domestic Violence is the abuse of one partner within an intimate or family relationship, abuse can be physical, emotional, psychological or sexual.  

Abuse can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, wealth or background.

However, statistics show the vast majority of domestic violence incidents are carried out by men and experienced by women. Domestic abuse does not just occur between partners, it can also be between parent and child, siblings or other relatives.

The abuse can occur in the home, in social situations or even take place at someone's place of work for example a victim may receive abusive calls from their partner about the exact time they will leave work and who they have been in contact with during the day.  

There are many ways to get support and advice:

·         In an emergency call Avon and Somerset Police on 999, if it is not an emergency but a crime has taken place call the Police on 101.

·         Somerset Integrated Domestic Abuse Services (SIDAS) can be contacted freephone on 0800 694 9999, they offer a single point of contact for confidential advice and support to any person concerned about domestic abuse in Somerset: http://www.somerset.gov.uk/adult-social-care/safeguarding/domestic-abuse/

·         The Somerset Survivors website also provides information, help and support for anyone affected by domestic abuse as well as a directory of local and national services www.somersetsurvivors.org.uk.  

·         A free 24hr national helpline is available by calling the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 200 0247.

·         Men in abusive relationships can contact MALE on 0808 801 0327 for support and advice.

Kristy Blackwell, Together Team Coordinator said:"In any one year 56% of abused women have been late for work at least five times often with unexplained reasons and 75% of all abuse victims have been targeted at work by their abuser (16 Days of Action).

"Employers, as well as family and friends, can therefore play an important role in reaching out to staff or colleagues who may be experiencing domestic abuse. 

"The council and Together Team are committed to raising awareness of domestic abuse and how those being abused (or concerned friends, employers and family) can seek help, advice and support".

A spokesperson for Sedgemoor District Council's Community Safety Team said: “Domestic violence is a serious crime and we all have an important role to play in ending it and in supporting those who have been abused. 

"The council is committed to raising awareness of domestic abuse and the impact it has on the individual, the family unit and the wider community.

"Domestic abuse should never be tolerated or excused so we encourage people to break the silence, contact the Police or Domestic Abuse charities and seek specialist support”.