Voice for Victims and Witnesses – the free, confidential support service for victims and witnesses of crime in Northamptonshire – has released the Voice Child-on-Parent Abuse app and Domestic Abuse Support Site, to help people affected by abuse to cope and seek support.
Since lockdown began, abuse cases within the home have nearly doubled in the county, with child-on-parent abuse – an often overlooked form of physical, emotional or financial control – having also seen increases.
Voice – which has been operational throughout lockdown – wants to break down barriers for those needing support and make people aware of new techniques that can help families.
The new support resource, available at voicenorthants.org/support, is being promoted county-wide across social media and in high-footfall locations, in order to ensure that families are aware of the support mechanisms available.
All support given by Voice is free, confidential and people don’t have to have reported any crime to the police.
CEO of Voice, Fiona Campbell, said: “Since lockdown began we’ve seen a sharp rise in domestic abuse cases within the county and we have been looking for new ways to support people beyond traditional methods.
“The Child-on-Parent Abuse app has been created to offer another branch of support to families and make people aware of new and innovative techniques being used where traditional approaches have failed.
“I’d like to reassure anyone who is in need of support that we’re here for them, whenever they’re ready. Our phonelines are open and we offer both telephone and online support to anyone who needs us.”
Source: www.northantspfcc.org.uk/newsletters/