Domestic Abuse Awareness Week 21-27 Nov 2011

As Hertfordshire prepared to mark Domestic Abuse Awareness Week (November 21 to 27), a Traveller spoke out about her experiences of the abuse she suffered and is now urging other victims to seek help.

Ann O’Donnell was the victim of domestic abuse for several years but managed to break free and end the physical and mental attacks she was suffering.

She has now taken part in a video that has been placed on YouTube, encouraging other Traveller victims to get help, either from the police or from independent specialist services.

In the video, which can be viewed on www.youtube.com/hertspolice, Ann says: “I wanted to have a life and I wanted to be free. I would contact the police…I would go to the [police Gypsy/Traveller] liaison officer. There is help out there and it’s about knowing about how to get it. Know that the police won’t be judgemental, they have vast experience of dealing with this issue in all communities, and you will get help. Where you think there is no turning point, where there is no way forward, you will be surprised at the help and support that you will receive.”

As part of Domestic Abuse Awareness Week, the ‘Bringing victims out of the darkness’ campaign is being launched by the County Community Safety Unit (CCSU), a joint unit between Hertfordshire Constabulary and Hertfordshire County Council. It is aiming to highlight the specialist services and support available for victims, especially those who are in communities where the reporting of domestic abuse is uncommon because it is a taboo subject.

Domestic Abuse can involve a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour and can include verbal, physical, emotional, financial or sexual abuse.

In Hertfordshire there are a number of ways Traveller victims of domestic abuse can get help and support. This includes contacting the specialist Gypsy/Traveller Liaison Officer, PC Kevin Moore, on the police non-emergency number 101. Kevin has worked with the travelling community for a number of years, helping to break down the barrier between the police and the community and can be spoken to in the strictest of confidence.

You can also call Women's Aid Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 http://www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk/

Victims can also access independent specialist services via the Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline on 08 088 088 088 (Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm) or by visiting the Herts Sunflower website www.hertssunflower.org for tailored information, advice and support. The helpline is free to call from landlines and will not show up on any telephone bill.  If there is an immediate danger, always dial 999. 

“If you’re a victim, please don’t stay hidden. Come out of the darkness and get the help that is available for you," said Sarah Taylor, Programme Manager for Domestic Violence in the CCSU.

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