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Don’t suffer in silence
Up to one in four women
are affected by domestic violence at some time in their life
– and at festive seasons the numbers tend to soar.
For most, it is a time
for celebration, but for others with the stresses and
strains of the festive period taking its toll, it is a time
full of tension and worry.
Some people fear seeking
help in case their abusers find out and become even more
violent. Others are financially dependent on their abusers
and are therefore reluctant to split up the family
especially when children are involved.
But domestic violence and
abuse is an unacceptable crime. The good news is that help
is out there across Eastern and Coastal Kent.
A new Swale hotline for
victims or people at risk of domestic violence was launched
on 30 November 2009. This number; 01795 434 300 is for
anyone who needs help.
To everyone exposed to
domestic violence, Athene Lane, Health Promotion Specialist
Practitioner, says: “Don’t suffer alone. There are many
agencies that can offer advice, counselling and support.
You can talk to experts in confidence and think about your
options before you make any decisions. If you have been
approached by a friend or relative who is experiencing
domestic abuse, it’s important to take them seriously.
Offer whatever support you can, but do not break their trust
and tell their abuser – you could be putting them or their
children in danger. Remember it is not always easy for
someone to leave a situation of domestic violence”
HERE TO
HELP
In an emergency always
call 999.
One
Stop Shop
For free confidential
advice and information all under one roof visit:
Swale: Phoenix House,
Central Avenue, Sittingbourne, from 9.30am to 11am on
Tuesdays.
Kent Police Domestic
Violence Officers
Tel: 01622 690690
Email:
enquiries@kent.pnn.police.uk
National Centre for Domestic Violence
This is available to
everybody, giving free legal advice and is able to get
injunctions within 24 hours. Call 0844 8044 999, visit
www.ncdv.org.uk or email
office@ncdv.org.uk
24 Hour Domestic Violence
Freephone Helpline: 0808 2000247
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