Support for Knowsley residents experiencing domestic abuse has been given a boost with the council’s latest investment in its Safer Communities Domestic Abuse Team.
The funding has created new roles within the team enabling them to provide even more specialist advice and support for those residents in the borough who are experiencing domestic abuse.
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.
The additional funding has allowed the team to continue their work in helping victims and survivors, providing crucial support and ensuring people don’t need to suffer in silence.
Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods said:
“We understand the devastating impact domestic abuse can have on people, families and communities and are committed to tackling this issue. By providing these additional resources and increasing capacity in the Safer Communities Domestic Abuse Team, we are giving victims and survivors better access to specialist support and means we are able to better address incidents of domestic abuse in a timely manner and reduce any escalation of risk.
“If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or know someone who is, please access the help that’s available. You are not alone, and you don’t have to suffer in silence.”
Tackling domestic abuse is a priority issue for Knowsley Council. As well as investing in the service, the council actively seeks external funding opportunities.
Recently Knowsley was awarded £203,000 by Merseyside’s Police Commissioner to tackle domestic abuse and protect families in Knowsley. Find out more here.
Significantly in May 2021, Knowsley Council has established the Domestic Abuse Partnership Board – a multi-agency group specifically working to address the issue of Domestic Abuse and provide support for victims and survivors in the borough, as well as holding perpetrators to account for their behaviours through a support and challenge approach.
Cllr Powell continued: “We are committed to ensuring the welfare of our residents and by strategically working with our partners we can ensure log-term and effective change for our residents.”
If you’re a Knowsley resident experiencing domestic abuse or you know someone who is, you are not alone, and help is available.
In an emergency, please call 999, otherwise 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