Increasing number of youngsters seek support for domestic abuse in North Lincolnshire

A new support service has now been launched.

Published 8th Apr 2016

Increasing numbers of young people are seeking help for domestic abuse in North Lincolnshire.

A new support service has now been set up to make it easier for victims to access support.

Along with advice around healthy relationships - the Blue Door project will offer all types of specialist support under one roof.

Debbie Winning is from North Lincolnshire Council and told Viking:

"We know that young people are experiencing domestic abuse and we want to reach out to them and make sure that they are able to get help and support and particuarly in schools which is why we have an independent domestic violence advocate who will be going into schools.

"We have a lot of cases coming forward, for example linking in with social media and also looking at healthy relationships. I think certainly within schools and colleges there is also the issue of coercive control.

"Numbers have been increasing year on year but we had just over 400 cases referred to our services last year, which were all high risk cases.

“The Blue Door will now provide all the services for victims and survivors of domestic abuse and violence in one place. This is a forward thinking response to what is required in our area to assist individuals, both male and female, to improve their self-esteem and life skills. As well as raising awareness of domestic abuse so that victims are identified early by a range of partner agencies. They will also look at supporting young people with advice and support about healthy relationships. The service will proactively address risks and safety working in partnership with other local agencies."