Community shows zero tolerance for violence
By Genevra FletcherMEN WHO bully their wives and girlfriends have beeen warned this week-Reading community leaders will not tolerate domestic violence. And Reading Mayor Steve Waite's name was the first signature on a pledge to protect victims, provide support and prevent abuse.
The promise is backed up by Reading Borough Council's new strategy to ensure front line workers in areas including social services and the police force, are properly equipped to help. The strategy's definition of domestic abuse includes belittling victims, slapping, pinching or punching them and restricting their freedom.
Vanessa, who lives in Whitley, was victimised by her husband within a week of being married. With support from Berkshire Women's Aid (BWA) she has now left him. She said: " I thought there was no help. I swept all the problems under the carpet. " You can't talk to your family because it's embarrassing. You leave eight or nine times before you can really make the break. I want women to know there is help there. "
Social services chief Cllr Pete Ruhemann said: " We want to send a strong message to these violent men that they have no friends in the community of Reading." The government estimates that one in four women suffers domestic violence. BWA's Karen Morton said: " It is appalling that so many women suffer abuse and cruelty in their own homes. The fact that the council has taken this on as policy is amazing. They are making an enormous committment to ensuring women get the support they need."
Other organisations involved in the strategy are Thames Valley Police, Berkshire probation Service, Sahara Asian Women's project, West Berkshire Priority Care Services Trust, the Crown Prosecution Service, solicitors Blandy and Blandy and Victim Support.
Contact BWA helpline 0118 950 4003 between 10am and 5pm or the Samaritans 24 hours a day 0118 926 6333