Merton Council launched its 16 days against domestic violence and abuse campaign today.

The theme for this year’s campaign is ‘Love Shouldn’t Hurt’ and runs from White Ribbon Day on 25 November until 10 December featuring information at the Civic Centre about the domestic violence and abuse services within Merton and training for GP’s in the borough.

Members of the Merton Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) meeting this morning, including representatives from the council, Fire Brigade, Police, Galop (LGBT domestic abuse partnership), Merton Refuge, Each Counselling, Merton Against Trafficking, Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation, Salvation Army, Rape Crisis and Rise

During the 16 days against Violence & Abuse the council’s Community Safety partnership (Safer Merton) will be training GP’s to raise awareness about domestic violence & abuse that will help them advise victims that may present in their doctors surgeries.

People who suffer from domestic violence & abuse are being advised to visit One Stop Shop. The drop in service is open every Monday (except bank holidays) from 9.30am – 12.00pm at Morden Baptist Church and provides confidential support and advice from different agencies including victim support, and solicitors. Since it launched in 2010 the service has helped over 1,050 people.

Merton’s Domestic Violence Champion, Councillor Maxi Martin, said: “At Merton we take a partnership approach to helping victims of domestic violence & abuse. At our One Stop Shop we provide confidential support and access to a range of services aimed at protecting men and women in violent and abusive situations.”

Cabinet member for community safety, engagement and equalities, Councillor Edith Macauley, said: “White Ribbon Day and the 16 Days campaign is a time to highlight the help available to those suffering domestic abuse.  We still find that a number of domestic abuse incidents go unreported so letting victims know that we provide confidential support all year round is extremely important.”

For more information, visit www.merton.gov.uk/safermertondomesticviolence

A victim’s story is featured in the current My Merton, read Louise’s story on page 22.

ENDS