New project to learn from those affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence in Cornwall
'Voices for Change' will be used to help shape Safer Cornwall's strategy to tackle the issues
Last updated 8th Feb 2022
Those affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence in Cornwall are being urged to make their voices heard.
Safer Cornwall is launching 'Voices for Change' as part of a national awareness week.
The project aims to 'listen and learn' from people's experiences, to help shape its strategy to tackle the issues.
Safer Cornwall is the partnership of public, voluntary, community and private organisations who come together to make Cornwall's communities safer and is calling on people to speak out.
Voices for Change is a Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Lived Experience Project and people can get involved via an online survey, virtual and face to face interviews, or group work being delivered by trained specialists to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
The Lived Experience listening project is part of a wider strategy to inform commissioning and direction and although the consultation is ongoing, Safer Cornwall wants to hear from as many people as possible before the end of March, to inform the strategy for 2022/2023.
Vanessa Fudge, Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator at Cornwall Council said: “From a service perspective, we want to understand what people really feel about what is on offer, what the gaps are and what could be better.
"But the project is actually about much more than this. We want to provide opportunities for people to share their stories around the impacts of living with domestic abuse, sexual violence and sexual abuse so we can hear what has influenced the course of their lives and experiences of recovery".
Safer Cornwall wants to ensure that all its services, strategies and community projects are delivered from a person-centred, needs-led and trauma informed approach.
Carol Mould, Cornwall Council cabinet member for neighbourhoods said: "Our residents' opinions are the ones that matter most. We want to hear from people who have lived or are still living with the long-term harm caused by domestic abuse, sexual violence and sexual abuse in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Then we can act by responding to their recommendations for improvement to help us deliver the most meaningful support".
How can I get involved?
If you would like to be involved in the project and are already accessing support services, please let your support/key worker know and Safer Cornwall will get in touch with you directly.
If you are not currently accessing services or never have, contact DASV@cornwall.gov.uk
Safer Cornwall understands that not everyone is comfortable having a direct conversation about such a difficult experience in their lives.
If you would like to contribute to this project and would rather do so online, you can access the survey on the Let’s Talk Cornwall Voice for Change page.