Domestic Abuse Awareness - Splitz Support Service

Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson funds a number of support services throughout Wiltshire and Swindon that help victims of domestic abuse. Every day this week we will be highlighting each of them in the hope that many more victims will be empowered to get the help they need.

"I am delighted to commission £220,000 to Splitz Support Service and in particular the Phoenix Project which launched in June 2018.

"Splitz is an independent charity and leading provider of domestic abuse support services in the south west. They play a key role in shaping strategy and policy through their participation in local strategy groups, domestic abuse forums and by lobbying local, regional and national government.

"They work with partner agencies and the local community to research and forecast support needs, and develop and deliver a range of quality services and other solutions. The services are developed with input from service users and others in the local community.

"In June 2018, Wiltshire Council and I commissioned the Phoenix Project that is provided by Splitz Support Service. The project aims to provide a range of valuable support to male and female victims of domestic and sexual abuse in the county. It also works with people who want to change their harmful behaviour in Wiltshire and victims of sexual violence in Wiltshire and Swindon."

Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) has far reaching consequences in our populations:

DVA has one of the highest repeat victimisation rates of any other crime type

It is estimated that only 20 per cent of DVA incidents are reported to the police (Home Office 2004)

• One in four women and one in six men will experience DVA at some point in their lives.
• In the UK, one woman is murdered every three days by a current or former partner.
• There is a 30 per cent increase in likelihood of domestic violence when a woman is pregnant.
• A woman will experience 35 assaults before she tells anyone about the abuse.
• One in five women aged 16 - 59 has experienced some form of sexual violence
• Only around 15% of those who experience sexual violence choose to report to the police
• Based on national research [1] domestic violence and abuse costs Wiltshire approximately £18.5m per year. This includes health, police, local authorities and criminal justice agencies.

Splitz Support Service can be contacted directly on:

Tel: 01225 775276

Email: [email protected]

[1] Walby, S (2004) The cost of domestic violence Women & Equality Unit: London.