The Leader of Knowsley Council and cabinet members have approved the Knowsley Domestic Abuse Strategy which will offer further support to those in the borough who are experiencing domestic abuse.
The strategy has been developed by the Council in partnership with agencies from across the borough including Merseyside Police, Housing Associations, specialist Domestic Abuse support providers and other Knowsley Domestic Abuse Partnership Board members. Significantly it outlines how victims, and their children will be supported if they experience domestic abuse and how partners will work together to stop the cycle of abuse. You can read the strategy here.
Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods said: “Sadly, domestic abuse is an issue that affects people across the UK, and Knowsley is no exception. Not only does it have a major impact upon those directly affected, it also negatively affects families and the wider community. However, we have developed the Domestic Abuse Strategy with our partners, in line with the Knowsley Better Together Approach, to ensure the welfare and safety of our residents so they can thrive and succeed in life.”
The approved strategy continues the ongoing work being done by the council and partners to address domestic abuse. This includes:
- In May 2021 Knowsley Council established the Domestic Abuse Partnership Board which has the shared goal of tackling and responding to domestic abuse.
- Significantly Knowsley Council has also made a substantial investment into expanding the front-line team who work directly with victim/survivors as well as perpetrators.
- In 2021 Knowsley was awarded £203,000 by Merseyside’s Police Commissioner, via the Home Office, to tackle domestic abuse perpetrators and protect families in Knowsley.
- Funding has been secured from Merseyside’s Police Commissioner and the Ministry of Justice to support domestic abuse voluntary sector organisations and time continues to be invested into sourcing further external funding to further develop and respond to this crucial area of need.
Cllr Powell continued: “The ongoing work of Knowsley Council allows us to provide crucial help and support to victims and survivors, ensuring people don’t need to suffer in silence. If you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse please report it and we can help.”
ACCESS HELP
In an emergency call 999.
If you are a Knowsley resident and experiencing domestic abuse or believe someone you know is please contact:
Knowsley Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub
Tel: 0151 443 2600
Or
Knowsley Early Help Hub
Freephone helpline on 0800 073 0043 and ask for your information to be passed onto the Early Help Hub and one of our staff will call you back. Or you could complete the online form by clicking the ‘ask for help and support’ on this link.
Or
The First Step (Specialist Domestic Abuse Service)
Tel: 0151 548 3333
Website: www.thefirststep.org.uk
Or
Knowsley Council Safer Communities Domestic Abuse Service
Tel: 0151 443 2610*
Email: safercommunities@knowsley.gov.uk
*Please note the team are only available during office hours.