Domestic violence - the way out
Hall Green Ward Councillor Jackie Hawthorn writes in our latest issue of Focus:
If you are the victim of domestic violence, the festive season may have been a time of fear and despair but it doesn’t have to be this way. Have you been made to feel that the violence is all your fault? After a beating do you get a promise that it will never happen again? Are you afraid to leave because of what might happen if you do? Have you a safe place to escape to? The facts are that violence is unjustifiable and it is NOT your fault. If you have been beaten once, the chances are that you will be beaten again and again. “At one time, the police would not get involved in what was classed as ‘a domestic’ but times have changed” says Cllr Jackie Hawthorn. “It’s now possible for abusers to be prosecuted in the Courts even when the victim is, as so often happens, too afraid to give evidence. You can make a new beginning. Ask yourself do you really still love this person? Would you be happier with them or without them?” Help and understanding is available. ‘Women with Essence’ have a drop-in meeting at St Michael’s Church, Redstone Farm Road on Tuesdays and Fridays 10am - 12 (phone 778-4958) or phone 07918714257 or 07918720968 Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.
