Valentine's Day in Slough is for love, not violence
Slough Borough Council is working in partnership with Thames Valley Police to offer support for victims of domestic violence this Valentine’s Day.
February 14 is traditionally a day for couples to express their love for each other and celebrate their relationship, but for many women and men in Slough, it is another day of fear and abuse.
Nationally, one in four women and one in six men will suffer domestic abuse in their lifetime. Many incidents of domestic abuse go unreported, with the victim too scared to seek help or support, or are unaware of support agencies.
Last year 3,093 incidents of domestic abuse were reported to police in Slough, but it is estimated that this figure only accounts for about a third of incidents that actually occur.
The council’s Slough Healthy Activities Programme (SHAPE), in conjunction with the Slough Domestic Violence Forum, provides funding for several projects run by East Berkshire Women’s Aid and Kinara Asian Women’s Service. Both agencies provide outreach, drop in and refuge accommodation for women and children affected by domestic abuse.
Abusive men living in Berkshire East, wishing to change their behaviour can access the Changing Ways programme.
Commissioner for public protection, Slough Cllr John Edwards, said: “This is a difficult issue to tackle effectively, but the council, along with Thames Valley Police are committed to doing so.
“It must be made absolutely clear that we do not condone or will remain silent about violence and abuse.”
Sophie Crowe, domestic violence co-ordinator for Berkshire East, said “Unfortunately, Valentine’s Day will be just another day of violence and fear for many people living in abusive relationships.
“It is important that we reach out to anyone, regardless of whether they are men or women, suffering abuse at the hands of a loved one so they can seek help and support from local agencies.”
For support, please contact East Berkshire Women’s Aid on 01753 549865 or Kinara Asian Women’s Service on 01753 573330. For men wishing to access support, please call Victim Support on 01344 411 411.
Any man wishing to change his behaviour can call John Roberts on 07818 054563 to discuss Changing Ways.
You can find a full list of specialist domestic abuse services that serve Slough, elsewhere on this website.
Slough Borough Council