Domestic Abuse Awareness Month in the East Riding

October is Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, standing with all those impacted by abusive and coercive controlling behaviours by a partner, ex or family member, regardless of age, gender, sexuality or race.

Throughout the month, East Riding’s Domestic Violence & Abuse Partnership (DVAP) are aiming to raise awareness of Domestic Abuse by focussing on the help and support available in the East Riding for adult and child victims/survivors, as well as those whose behaviour is harmful and want to change.

A series of online sessions, open to all, will be taking place where DVAP will explain the work of each part of the service, with additional sessions for professionals to increase their understanding of, and response to, Domestic Abuse.

The Team are also asking local businesses to display DVAP service information in the hope that those with concerns for themselves, a family member or a friend know how to access advice and support locally.

DVAP (Domestic Violence & Abuse Partnership) is there to give advice and provide support to anyone directly impacted by domestic abuse in the East Riding of Yorkshire. There are three parts to the service:

• Adult Service - for anyone aged 16 or over, regardless of gender or sexuality, living with or fleeing domestic abuse
• Children’s Service – for children aged 6 -16 impacted by domestic abuse in the home or in their own teen relationship
• PODAS (Prevention of Domestic Abuse Service) - for those whose behaviours are abusive and want to change.

Councillor Leo Hammond, portfolio holder for planning, communities and public protection, said : “Domestic Abuse Awareness Month is an important way to raise the profile of the help that is available in the East Riding. I hope that anybody affected or who wants to learn more will either attend one of the online sessions, or contact DVAP.”

According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales, 1.7 million women and 699,000 men experienced Domestic Abuse last year. Anyone living in the East Riding feeling frightened by a partner, ex-partner, or family member’s behaviour, or being hurt, controlled, isolated, or harassed and needing advice or support can contact Domestic Violence & Abuse Partnership (DVAP) on 01482 396368, Monday to Friday 9-5pm, or in an emergency should call the police on 999.

On Tuesday, 10 October from 10am – 11am, DVAP will be talking about the service and the support they offer. To access this free session, go to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/705889443327?aff=oddtdtcreator

Help is available for those whose behaviour is harmful towards their partner, ex-partner or family. Contact the RESPECT national support helpline - Freephone 0808 8024040. For free confidential advice and support in the East Riding , contact the Prevention Of Domestic Abuse Service (PODAS) on 01482 396368.

PODAS will be speaking about who they are and the support they offer on Monday, 23 October from 13:00 – 13:45. To access this free online event, go to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/705912662777?aff=oddtdtcreator