FJC uses International Women’s Day to promote anti-DV services

Staff from Croydon’s Family Justice Centre (FJC) are marking International Women’s Day by highlighting the range of anti-domestic violence support that is available in the borough.

International Women’s Day takes place on Thursday 8 March, celebrating the achievements of women, and highlighting work that helps ensure girls’ futures are bright, equal, safe and rewarding.

In the past year, the FJC team has supported more than 1,000 women who have experienced domestic abuse – whether physical, emotional, sexual, financial or psychological.

Councillor Hamida Ali, cabinet member for communities, safety and justice

“One in four women will experience domestic abuse at some point during their lifetime – which equates to 38,500 women in Croydon.

“Anyone can be abused, regardless of their social background, age, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity or gender, and we would encourage all of them to seek help.”

 

 

The FJC team launched a volunteer programme earlier this year and has already trained 16 people to help clients by providing long-term support and guidance.

This includes supporting clients’ access services such as housing, health and children’s centres, as well as providing emotional support, particularly for those new to the area.

Currently 117 Croydon schools (80%) and 43 GP practices (71%) have identified anti-domestic abuse and sexual violence (DASV) leads.

The leads are a point of contact for anyone experiencing DASV, and are trained to offer advice and support to them and their families.

In the past three months, 38 schools have received DASV training. This includes an understanding of domestic abuse, the impacts it can have on victims and their children, how best to support victims, and what services are available within the borough.

Within the council, 25 members of staff have undertaken extensive training to become ambassadors, supporting colleagues who may be experiencing abuse at home. More staff are also keen to help colleagues, with 10 commencing training later this month.

There is a wide range of services available to those experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence within the borough.

If you, or anyone you know, needs help, or you would like to volunteer, please call the FJC on 020 8688 0100, email fjc@croydon.gov.uk.

You can also call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 080 8200 0247.

2021-08-20T15:46:27+01:00 March 6th, 2018|Recent news|