A service that would help victims of domestic abuse to access support is being planned in Peterborough

A new service in Peterborough that would ensure victims and survivors of domestic abuse can access direct support is being planned.

It's after there were around 7,000 victims of domestic abuse in Peterborough in 2022 to 2023.

Peterborough City Council approved plans for a Domestic Abuse Mobile Advocacy service at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday 14th January.

According to the council's report, in 2022/23 there were 2,378 incidents and 4,160 domestic abuse crimes reported to the police.

The current domestic abuse service operates across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

However, the news plans would see a Peterborough-only service.

It's for people who need to access advice, information and support

Vickie Crompton, from Peterborough City Council's Domestic Abuse team, said:

"It's a service that anyone can refer themselves to if they're concerned about domestic abuse."

"The service will work to try and increase their safety and will support them in accessing other services they might need to help them and their children."

"We know that the majority of people won't report to the police or to other services because they're scared what might happen if they do that."

"So this is really for those people who need to access some advice, information, and support."

"For some victims, they might wish to stay in the relationship so they can discuss how to do that more safely."

"For some people it might mean moving to different areas or different parts of the city to stay safe."

"It really has an enormous impact even to just know that there's someone there to listen to you and that will give you that safety planning advice."

It really has an enormous impact

Mobile advocacy refers to domestic abuse support that can be accessed by anyone regardless of level of risk, to enable them to remain safe in their own home or to find alternative accommodation.

This service would ensure victims and survivors of any gender can access direct support and is an independent confidential service.

The aim is for the service to offer support to around 250 individuals each year.

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