Dealing with Domestic Abuse

A series of events begin today - to highlight the problem of Domestic Violence.

Around one in 4 women - and even 1 in six men in our region - will suffer abuse at home at some point in their adult life.

Councillor David McVicar is responsible for community safety at Central Bedfordshire Council has been speaking to heart, and says despite the subject being less taboo nowadays - they still need to make victims aware, help is at hand near to them "People locally very often want to deal with people in their own area or people with they are comfortable with in the local area - that's why we have a variety of local groups and organisations which offer help and support - it's not enough to rely on national organisations.

Cllr McVicar added "We want to promote a clear and consistent message that domestic abuse is not acceptable and that perpetrators will be held to account."

During October, Bedfordshire Domestic Violence Partnership and soLUTiONs, with support from other local agencies, are hosting a series of events to inform residents about the issue - and also to raise funds for local charities which support victims of domestic abuse.

It starts with Shefford Charter Fayre 1430-2000hrs today (Monday 11th October) at the Community Hall, High Street in Shefford.

Other events and locations include:-

Tuesday 12th - Stondon Lower School, Hillside Road, Henlow, SG16 6LP

Tuesday 12th - Lawns Childrens Centre, The Baulk, Biggleswade, SG18 0PT (1300-1430hrs) 

Monday 25th - Interchange Retail Park (1000-1600)

Wednesday 27th - Bedford Town Centre, Church Square, Bedford (1000-1600)

Every Tuesday - Freedom programme, Peartree Children's Centre, Balliol Road, Kempston (1000-1130)

Every Tuesday - Parenting Puzzle (Parenting group), Kingsbrook Children's Centre, Oak Road, Bedford

Details of all the events can be found at www.bedsdv.org.uk