Charities partner to create domestic abuse service

A new Worcester-based domestic abuse service has been launched by two local charities.

West Mercia Women's Aid (WMWA) and Worcester Community Trust (WCT) have joined forces to provide the Worcester Community-Based Abuse Support Service.

The service, which will cost £235,000 to run and will be funded by Worcestershire County Council, will offer confidential support to those affected by domestic abuse across Worcestershire.

Those using the service will have access to one-to-one personalised support, as well as access to safe accommodation and refuge.

Sue Coleman, WMWA chief executive, said the new service would employ five staff members in its first year, and said she hoped the service would be commissioned for a second year.

Discussing it, she said: "Our teams rarely get the chance to meet with survivors in their home communities and to develop a response that is local in every sense of the word.

"This new service gives us the chance to do just that - have a tangible presence and engage with people where they live, and in settings with which they are familiar."

Jo Jefferson, of Worcester Community Trust, added: "Now more than ever, due to the current epidemic of domestic abuse there is an urgent need for community-based support services across the whole of Worcestershire.

"Worcester Community Trust is delighted to be able to deliver this service in partnership with West Mercia Women's Aid."

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