Ex-Police VAWG head joins Wiltshire domestic abuse charity
Former DCI Gemma Vinton has joined FearFree
An ex-Wiltshire Police officer has taken her expertise in tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) to a local domestic abuse charity.
Gemma Vinton was a Detective Chief Inspector in charge of dealing with VAWG in the county, but she's now putting her skills into support those fleeing domestic abuse with FearFree.
She's joined the charity as Head of Service.
"I've been aware of FearFree having worked for the police service and I know of the amazing work FearFree do with their clients and the ability to support that individual in whatever way they need really appealed," she said.
Gemma added: "It was a really interesting opportunity to be involved in helping people to empower themselves and improve their lives and you know, tackling that endemic of violence against women and girls."
Tackling one of society's biggest issues
She said her skills honed in the Police force would need to be applied differently with the charity.
Working in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Gemma investigated rape and serious sexual offences, working alongside victims and children who'd been impacted.
These practical skills, as well an understanding large and complex issues and of strategies to dealing with problems in society, can all be used to aid those fleeing domestic abuse.
"We are interested in the whole holistic approach and all of the things that can help improve lives for people and really break the cycle of abuse.
"That's ultimately the goal here, let's break the cycle of abuse, and that involves working with perpetrators, working with victims, survivors working with others that have been affected.
After initially taking some time to fully immerse herself in understanding what FearFree offers and where she can add value, Gemma is now ready to put her skillset into action.
She described domestic abuse, including sexual violence and stalking, as 'massive societal community issues', that impact a large number of people.
Gemma told Greatest Hits Radio she's focussed on delivering a service that can meet everyone's needs.
"I think it's being able to look at these huge community societal issues, look at how we then support individuals with that, how do we deliver, that really, impactive and bespoke service so that every single person that needs it, is able to access that bespoke support and the right thing for them," she said.
Gemma feels her work in the CID on the impact of trauma on people will be particularly useful.
"I can bring that that knowledge and that understanding here to FearFree, where I know that we've got lots of professionals that also really understand trauma and can really make sure that we apply that trauma informed approach.
"That's absolutely critical in the work we do."