15/12/2003
National domestic abuse helpline launched
Thousands of women experiencing domestic abuse will potentially benefit from a £2 million national domestic violence helpline, launched today by Comic Relief supporter and comedienne Dawn French.
The helpline, which is on a freephone telephone number 0808 2000 247, has attracted backing from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and charity organisation Comic Relief, and will be run by a partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge.
Merging the two existing numbers of Refuge and Women's Aid, the helpline will provide a single 24-hour freephone number with access to round the clock emergency refuge accommodation and information.
Minister for Homelessness in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Jeff Rooker, said the government was "committed to tackling domestic violence, an abhorrent crime which kills two women a week".
He said: "This vital new national helpline will help ensure the safety of thousands of women and children who are in danger at home because of a violent partner."
The Minister added: "Homelessness was as much about a woman and her children being pursued by a violent man from one address to another, as it is about the public image of a person sleeping on the street."
Comic Relief supporter Dawn French said: "No-one should live in fear of violence in their home. Calling for help takes courage and we hope this new freephone helpline will help women take that vital first step to a safer life. That is why Comic Relief is donating its single largest UK grant to this project."
Chief Executive of domestic violence charity Refuge Sandra Horley said a helpline often acted as the first and most crucial source of support.
Director of Women's Aid, Nicola Harwin, CBE said she the improved freephone service would also give more women and children access to help and support, as well as quicker referral to safe refuge in the Women's Aid national network.
A major advertising campaign will publicise the number in places easily accessible to women.
Research has indicated that abused women want a safe and easy way to receive information - calls from landlines will not appear on the telephone bill.
One in four women will experience domestic violence at some point during their lives, and it accounts for almost a quarter of violent crime. Women and children fleeing violent partners often become homeless and are forced to live in temporary accommodation.
Friends and families of anyone in danger of domestic abuse may also call the helpline for support.
(SP)
The helpline, which is on a freephone telephone number 0808 2000 247, has attracted backing from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and charity organisation Comic Relief, and will be run by a partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge.
Merging the two existing numbers of Refuge and Women's Aid, the helpline will provide a single 24-hour freephone number with access to round the clock emergency refuge accommodation and information.
Minister for Homelessness in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Jeff Rooker, said the government was "committed to tackling domestic violence, an abhorrent crime which kills two women a week".
He said: "This vital new national helpline will help ensure the safety of thousands of women and children who are in danger at home because of a violent partner."
The Minister added: "Homelessness was as much about a woman and her children being pursued by a violent man from one address to another, as it is about the public image of a person sleeping on the street."
Comic Relief supporter Dawn French said: "No-one should live in fear of violence in their home. Calling for help takes courage and we hope this new freephone helpline will help women take that vital first step to a safer life. That is why Comic Relief is donating its single largest UK grant to this project."
Chief Executive of domestic violence charity Refuge Sandra Horley said a helpline often acted as the first and most crucial source of support.
Director of Women's Aid, Nicola Harwin, CBE said she the improved freephone service would also give more women and children access to help and support, as well as quicker referral to safe refuge in the Women's Aid national network.
A major advertising campaign will publicise the number in places easily accessible to women.
Research has indicated that abused women want a safe and easy way to receive information - calls from landlines will not appear on the telephone bill.
One in four women will experience domestic violence at some point during their lives, and it accounts for almost a quarter of violent crime. Women and children fleeing violent partners often become homeless and are forced to live in temporary accommodation.
Friends and families of anyone in danger of domestic abuse may also call the helpline for support.
(SP)
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18 June 2003
Plans unveiled to tackle domestic violence
The government set out plans today to tackle domestic violence – a crime which claims the lives of two women every week. Home Secretary David Blunkett said that violence is no more acceptable in the home than it is on the street and called on people to give their views on the proposals during a 12-week consultation.
Plans unveiled to tackle domestic violence
The government set out plans today to tackle domestic violence – a crime which claims the lives of two women every week. Home Secretary David Blunkett said that violence is no more acceptable in the home than it is on the street and called on people to give their views on the proposals during a 12-week consultation.
29 September 2009
Domestic Violence Victims' Aid Proposed
Violent partners will be banned from their homes and their victims given support to escape abuse under new proposals due to be unveiled today by Home Secretary Alan Johnson.
Domestic Violence Victims' Aid Proposed
Violent partners will be banned from their homes and their victims given support to escape abuse under new proposals due to be unveiled today by Home Secretary Alan Johnson.
27 March 2009
Domestic Violence Victims To Receive Extra Support
Victims of Domestic Violence will receive extra help and support from 18 new Specialist Domestic Violence Courts, Justice Minister Bridget Prentice has announced. The new courts will be located in Eastern England, East Midlands, London, North East, North West, South West, West Midlands and Yorkshire and Humberside.
Domestic Violence Victims To Receive Extra Support
Victims of Domestic Violence will receive extra help and support from 18 new Specialist Domestic Violence Courts, Justice Minister Bridget Prentice has announced. The new courts will be located in Eastern England, East Midlands, London, North East, North West, South West, West Midlands and Yorkshire and Humberside.
14 February 2006
Campaign calls on friends to report domestic violence
A new advertising campaign aimed at encouraging friends of victims of domestic violence to report offences was launched today.
Campaign calls on friends to report domestic violence
A new advertising campaign aimed at encouraging friends of victims of domestic violence to report offences was launched today.
17 February 2004
UK sees 20% increase in multiple births over 10 years
Mothers are having 20% more multiple births than they were a decade ago, according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Statistics have revealed that in 2002, the multiple birth rate was 15 per 1,000 women giving birth, compared with 12.5 in 1992.
UK sees 20% increase in multiple births over 10 years
Mothers are having 20% more multiple births than they were a decade ago, according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Statistics have revealed that in 2002, the multiple birth rate was 15 per 1,000 women giving birth, compared with 12.5 in 1992.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.