Project can double abuse victim support per year, claims Peterborough charity
The Peacock Project is being funded by the city council
A charity that supports victims of domestic abuse in Peterborough has said funding for a new project will mean they can support more people.
The Peacock Project is being funded by the city council, which is giving the project £150,000 per year for three years, with the possibility of another two years if successful.
It's being run by Peterborough Women’s Aid (PWA) as part of the council’s Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Strategy.
The project, which launched this month, was named by one of the charity’s survivor boards – survivors of domestic abuse in the city – and is an acronym for Protect, Empower, Advocate, Courage, Overcome, Confidence, Knowledge.
It will support anyone, regardless of sex, gender or sexuality, who is being subjected to domestic abuse from a partner or family member.
It will enable PWA’s outreach team to expand its service to victims in Peterborough, offering service including safety planning, risk assessment, counselling, emotional support, group work, debt management and more.
'Our support is never time bound'
“PWA are delighted to have received funding from Peterborough City Council to provide community outreach support for victims of domestic abuse in Peterborough," Mandy Geraghty, the charity's CEO, said:
“The Peacock Project will provide support to all victims of abuse regardless of gender, either in Anne’s House or in their home if safe.
“Any victim who is supported through the Peacock Project will be able to access a range of our services including our Women’s Centre, support groups, translation services and cultural coffee mornings.
“Our support is never time bound; we have had some women who we have supported for years, and others that have just had a quick conversation with us.
“We encourage any victims of abuse to contact us via our website or advice line where your call will be treated respectfully, without judgement and confidentially.”
Statistics show that around one in four women will suffer domestic abuse in their lifetime, and there may be as many as 7,000 victims in Peterborough alone every year.
People can call or email the service directly - [email protected] or call the Advice Line – 01733 894 964 www.Peterboroughwomensaid.co.uk